The new button "camera control" that combines numerous functions may also hide Apple's ambition in the AI field behind precision manufacturing.
On September 10th, Apple's iPhone 16 series phones were officially unveiled, with the most eye-catching new design undoubtedly being the "camera control" button. This button not only supports long pressing to quickly start the camera, but also triggers the shutter by clicking. It also adds a sliding touch function, allowing users to adjust the shooting focus and provide a more diverse operating experience. In addition, developers can also integrate camera control functions into various third-party apps.
For Apple, this is the first time that force sensors, capacitive sensors, and tactile switches have been integrated into such a small button design. In fact, balancing the various components is also a very difficult task, "Kaiann Drance, Apple's Vice President of Global iPhone Product Marketing, commented on the" Camera Control "button added to the iPhone 16 series in an interview with The Paper on September 18th.
In Kaiann Drance's view, a camera is a tool for interacting with the surrounding world, and the "camera control" button can unlock more visual intelligence in the future.
The "Camera Control" button is composed of 9 stacked components
On September 18th, a reporter from The Paper visited the iPhone 16 series assembly plant of Lite On Precision and found that it is not easy to integrate numerous functions and ensure consistency in the experience of each product. The manufacturing process of the "camera control" button is quite complex.
Lixun Precision began supplying connecting wires to Apple more than ten years ago and has now become a well-known enterprise in the "fruit chain", providing OEM services for various products for Apple, including the newly released iPhone 16 series and other new products.
On the camera control assembly line, the reporter saw that the core assembly process of the button is the selection of the button gap gasket. This process uses a high-precision 3D laser system to select suitable pads to ensure that each phone has a consistent feel in the hands of consumers.
The welding process of the "camera control" button takes the lead in using laser seamless welding, ensuring seamless welding through multiple directions of pushing and pressing blocks; After welding, the automation equipment automatically detects the height difference between the button and the side frame to ensure the stability of the button quality.
Cui Yushan, Vice President of Asia Procurement Operations Management at Apple, introduced that although "camera control" may seem like an additional simple button from the outside, in fact, it accommodates up to 9 different mechanical and electrical components in a compact interior space, including tactile switches that enable a touch experience, high-precision pressure sensors that support light touch gestures, and capacitive sensors that provide touch interaction. They work together harmoniously through high-precision assembly.
In order to provide users with a brand new experience, we innovate not only on the exterior of the product, but also internally, and there are many innovations that users cannot see, "Cui Yushan said. For example, in order to provide customers with a consistent feel, the key gap gasket selects the most matching one from 14 different gaskets to overcome the work difference caused by stacking multiple parts together.
The 'camera control' button may become an important entry point for AI
Industry insiders believe that the development and manufacturing cost of the "camera control" button is high and difficult to replicate. Apple not only has expectations for a "professional camera" for this button, but also has ambitions for future Apple Intelligence.
At the press conference, Cook mentioned that this year's iPhone is specifically designed for Apple Intelligence.
Undoubtedly, Apple's intelligence is the core highlight of the iPhone 16 series. Most of its features have been showcased at WWDC 24, such as assisting in text editing, generating emoji expressions, etc. Siri has also been refreshed and become increasingly intelligent.
In addition to text and speech, visual intelligence is also an important direction for the development of artificial intelligence.
With Apple Intelligence, users can use natural language to search for specific photos in the photo app, as well as specific moments in video clips. In addition, the new cleaning tool can identify and remove interfering objects in the background of photos without changing the subject.
At the press conference, Apple showcased its newly added feature "Visual Intelligence". Once the camera is activated through the camera control button, it can analyze the images captured by the camera. For example, by aiming the camera at a restaurant, detailed information about the restaurant can be extracted; Aim at a dog to display its breed and other related information.
With the evolution of Apple Intelligence, the "Camera Control" button may become the gateway for iPhone to connect everything with just one click in the future. Apple also revealed at the press conference that new visual intelligence features will continue to be launched thereafter.
However, Chinese users will still face waiting. It is reported that the first batch of features for Apple Intelligence will be released in a software update next month. Apple Intelligence can be used on the new iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro series. It is expected that Apple Intelligence will start supporting Chinese next year.