The Camera Control feature of the iPhone 16 has garnered a range of reviews, including my own. However, iOS 18.2 enhances this feature significantly, transforming it into what it was originally designed to be.
Visual intelligence reveals an innovative camera capability
The highlight of the Camera Control update in iOS 18.2 is the addition of visual intelligence.
By pressing and holding the Camera Control, your iPhone can activate a specialized mode that supplies crucial information about your surroundings—and provides shortcuts for actionable insights.
Apple describes the feature as follows:
Users can tap and hold Camera Control to view restaurant hours or reviews as they walk by, schedule an event from a flyer in their calendar, quickly identify a dog breed, and more. Camera Control will also connect users to third-party applications with specialized knowledge, for example, searching for where to purchase a product on Google or tapping into ChatGPT for problem-solving.
My colleague Fernando has created a video that showcases 10 unique applications for visual intelligence. I highly recommend watching it to discover what your iPhone 16 can now accomplish with iOS 18.2.
Quicker camera launcher than ever
An additional significant enhancement in iOS 18.2 is the ability to use Camera Control to open the Camera app more swiftly than before.
Head over to Settings ⇾ Display and Brightness to find a new switch for Camera Control: ‘Require Screen On.’
The default setting for iOS 18.2 is to have this toggle activated, allowing Camera Control to function as it typically does. However, if you toggle it off, you can launch your camera even when your iPhone’s display is turned off.
This removes an extra step, enabling you to capture photos more promptly. No longer do you need to tap Camera Control to wake your device and again to open the Camera app (or tap the screen to wake it first).
Simply grab your iPhone, press Camera Control, and your camera will be ready for action.
Additional new features and settings
iOS 18.2 also introduces a two-stage shutter feature similar to what Apple showcased in September.
Located in Settings ⇾ Camera ⇾ Camera Control, there’s a new toggle for AE/AF Lock.
Activating this will allow a light press on Camera Control to lock both focus and exposure, giving the option to press lightly to secure those settings, followed by pressing harder to actually capture the photo.
Additionally, a new option in Settings ⇾ Accessibility ⇾ Camera Control lets you adjust the speed of a double-click action. You can select from three choices: Default, Slow, and Slower.
Summary of iOS 18.2 Camera Control
The Camera Control feature in iOS 18.2 is what Apple intended to debut with the iPhone 16 but was unable to do so. It significantly enhances the utility of the new dedicated button, transforming it into the impressive feature it was always meant to be.
Have you had the chance to use Camera Control in iOS 18.2? What are your thoughts on the updates? Please share in the comments.
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