The iPhone 16 (Plus) and iPhone 16 Pro (Max) have a special Camera Control button. This camera control can be found on the right side of the device under the side button and can be an aid when taking photographs. Since iOS 18.2, you can lock the AE/AF lock with the slider.
Using the pressure-sensitive button you can activate and use camera functions without having to tap the screen. In practice, this requires quite a bit of practice and the button does not seem to be used frequently. We explain how to lock focus (AF) and exposure (AE).
AE/AF lock – camera control
The camera controller for iPhone is pressure sensitive and can even be used with swipe gestures. You will find more options and swipe gestures in our Camera Control guide. Using the step-by-step plan below, we explain how the AE/AF lock works.
What is AE/AF lock?
AE/AF Lock is a feature in the iPhone camera that allows you to lock focus (AF) and exposure (AE) while taking photos. This means you can instruct the camera to focus on a specific subject, preventing the camera from automatically refocusing or adjusting exposure when you change the composition or when there is movement in the background.
Enable camera control AE/AF
- Open Settings
- Go to ‘Camera’
- Tap ‘Camera Control’
- Enable the ‘AE/AF lock’ option
Use AE/AF lock with Camera Control
- Activate the Camera app
- Press the camera controller gently
- Press and hold to activate the lock
It’s good to know that you have to press the camera dial gently to hold the AE/AF lock. If you release the Camera Control, the lock will also be removed. Press the camera controller to take a photo.
Temporarily lock AE/AF
Do you want to temporarily lock the lock without having to gently press the Camera Control? Then hold your finger on the screen at the desired focus point for a few seconds until a message appears; then the focus and exposure remain fixed until you tap the screen again.
Camera controller for iPhone
The iPhone 16 (Pro) has a brand new and pressure-sensitive camera controller, Camera Control in English. You can use this smart button while taking photos and videos. And you get it faster access to the camera tools. Drag your finger to adjust the exposure or depth of field, for example. And scroll through the different lenses or use digital zoom to capture everything the way you want.
Conditions and location
The camera control can be found on the right side of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The elongated button is placed on the side below the side button and can be used while using the camera app and third-party apps that use the camera. Do you want to use the AE/AF lock? Then you must have installed iOS 18.2 or newer.