How to adjust iPhone 16 Camera Control: change the click speed, lock exposure, and more.

Apple introduced the iPhone 16 Camera Control, and it appears to be a feature that will remain on the iPhone for many generations.

This touch-sensitive strip provides instant access to your iPhone’s camera app and, in addition to acting as a shutter, can be used to modify exposure, magnification, and depth of focus.

However, there’s more to Camera Control than meets the eye. In typical Apple fashion, the function can be adjusted to meet your individual requirements. In this post, we’ll show you how to start Camera Control faster, change the default Camera Control app, adjust click speed and force, and lock focus and exposure.

Tools and requirements

• An iPhone with Camera Control (as of writing, that’s the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max)
• iOS 18 or newer

Quick steps

• In Display & Brightness settings, enable the Camera Control to open with a single click when your screen is turned off.
• You can change which camera app launches with Camera Control in Settings > Camera > Camera Control
• Do you prefer a slower click speed or to use less effort while using the Camera Control? You can do this in the Settings app.
• The Camera Control can be used to lock focus and exposure when taking photos in Settings > Camera > Camera Control

How to launch the Camera Control faster

By default, tapping the Camera Control button when your iPhone’s screen is turned off will wake it up. However, if you wish, you may set it such that a single press activates the camera even if your phone’s display is darkened.

1. Display & Brightness

Under the Camera Control section, turn off the toggle next to Require Screen On. Pressing the Camera Control once will always launch the camera app, even if your screen is turned off.

3. Double Click

If you prefer to double-click, go to the Camera Control menu in Settings and select Double Click under Launch Camera. Pressing the Camera Control button twice will instantly launch the Camera app, even if your screen is dimmed.

How to change the default Camera Control app

Camera Control by default launches Apple’s Camera app, but you may change it to start a third-party camera software instead.

1. Settings app

You’ll now see three options: Light-Press Force, Double Light-Press Speed, and Double Click Speed. You can make the first one need a lighter or firmer press than the default. The second two sections allow you to adjust the press speed to be slower or faster than the normal choice.

3. Test your changes

If you’re not sure which alternatives to choose, Apple has given an interactive test image to show you how your preferred modifications will feel. Try changing the settings and then tapping the Camera Control on your iPhone. The Camera Control in the image will light up to indicate that it is enabled, allowing you to understand the force and speed required once you have made your changes.

How to lock focus and exposure

Sometimes it’s a good idea to lock your camera’s focus and exposure, especially if you’re taking multiple shots of the same subject or want to focus on a specific area. Camera Control allows you to accomplish that as well.

1. Open the Settings app

3. Enable the lock

Now, hit the Camera Control to activate your iPhone’s camera. Lightly press and hold the Camera Control for a few seconds until the words AE/AF Lock show at the top of the screen. Your focus and exposure will remain locked as long as your finger is on the Camera Control button. Press it to capture a photograph.

4. Unlock

To unlock focus and exposure, simply lift your finger off the Camera Control.