The iPhone 16 series has introduced some impressive camera upgrades, but even if you’re not planning to upgrade, iOS 18 brings a host of exciting new camera features for all iPhone users. While the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 is stealing the spotlight, older iPhone models can also benefit from enhancements like new Portrait Mode options, improved camera timers, the ability to pause video recordings, and more. Here’s a closer look at the standout camera features available with iOS 18.
iPhone 16’s New Camera Control Button
With the launch of the iPhone X in 2017, many speculated that the era of physical buttons on iPhones had ended. Seven years later, that assumption has proven incorrect. Following the introduction of the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro series last year, all iPhone 16 models now feature a Camera Control button. As the name implies, this button allows users to quickly access the Camera app to take photos or videos and adjust settings like zoom and exposure. This new addition underscores the significance of the camera in your iPhone experience and integrates seamlessly with iOS 18. For more details, check out this Apple Support page on maximizing the button’s functionality.
Pause Video Recording
One of the most anticipated features in iOS 18 is the ability to pause video recordings. This enhancement makes capturing videos much more convenient. When you start recording in iOS 18, a pause button will now appear in the bottom-left corner of the Camera app. Tapping this button allows you to pause and then resume recording whenever you’re ready. This is particularly useful for creating vlogs, TikTok videos, or Instagram Reels. It’s surprising that it took this long for such a practical feature to arrive!
Listen to Music While Recording
In addition to pausing videos, iOS 18 allows you to listen to music while recording. Previously, switching to the Video mode in the Camera app would pause any music playing on your iPhone. To activate this feature, navigate to Settings > Camera > Record Sound, and toggle on the Allow Audio Playback option.
Enhanced Camera Timer
The camera timer is a favorite for group photos, but the default timing options have often felt restrictive. Until iOS 17, you could only choose between a three-second or a ten-second timer, which often left something to be desired. With iOS 18, a new five-second timer option has been introduced, allowing for a more flexible countdown with both the front and rear cameras.
New Lighting Modes for Night Mode Portraits
When capturing Portrait Mode photos in low-light settings, your iPhone automatically activates Night Mode to enhance the image quality. With the iOS 18 update, users can now select from various lighting effects even for Night Mode portraits. While these effects were previously exclusive to standard Portrait Mode shots, they can now be utilized in low-light conditions as well.
Improved Flash Control
While taking photos, you’ll notice a lightning icon in the top-left corner of your screen, which serves as the flash button. This button allows you to toggle between three flash modes: on, off, and auto. With the new iOS 18 update, you can now touch and hold the lightning icon to quickly view and select all three options, making it easier to choose the right setting for your shot.