Android smartphones are already copying iPhone 16 capture button, Realme shares teaser

One of the most prominent hardware changes announced with the recently launched Apple iPhone 16 series is the new Camera Capture button, which essentially acts as a shortcut to the camera app. The button is pressure-sensitive, with different functions triggered based on how hard it is pressed. While the relevance of this button is being debated ahead of the iPhone 16’s sale, Android OEMs seem to expect the feature to gain popularity soon. At least, that’s what the latest teaser by Realme suggests.
Realme VP Chase Xu has recently shared a video on Chinese social media website Weibo that teases the Camera Capture-like button on an upcoming smartphone by the company. The video shows a similar scroll and zoom functionality, and it also works as a shortcut to launch the camera app and to click images.
Xu, last week, had also shared a post on X revealing that Realme is working on a similar feature for an upcoming phone. “Great minds think alike.” he said.
Responding to the video, several users on the platform speculated that the feature could be coming on the next Realme flagship phone, which will likely be the Realme GT 7 Pro. However, Xu has responded to the rumours saying that it is confirmed that the feature is coming to a Realme smartphone, but it will not be the GT 7 Pro.
While Apple is often blamed for bringing Android features years late to iOS, we have also often seen some iPhone features being replicated on Android phones. For instance, the dynamic island was copied by several Android OEMs, including on the Realme C53, itel S23+, and the Infinix GT 10 Pro (review).
Considering the dynamic island feature was never adopted on the premium Android smartphones and only the mid-range phones like the Realme C53, there is also a possibility that the Camera Capture-like button is also not meant for the flagship. It might just come on the next C-series phone by Realme. But we will know that for sure only once Realme makes the feature official.
As for the Camera Capture on iPhone 16 series, the button brings a lot of functionality. At the time of launch last week, Apple revealed that the feature allows users to frame their shots and adjust various controls, like zoom, exposure, and depth of field, by sliding their finger over the dedicated button to create stunning photos or videos. Developers will also be able to integrate Camera Control into third-party apps, such as Snapchat, although this will roll out a bit later.
At the iPhone launch event, Apple demonstrated how the Camera Control button functions. A single press opens the camera app, another press captures photos, and holding the button starts recording a video. The button can also bring up controls for zoom, exposure adjustments, or filter changes.
A light double press on the Camera Control button lets you tweak settings like exposure or depth of field. Sliding your finger over the button further reveals more options, such as depth adjustments. The button is tightly integrated with software, allowing users to switch between control functions without needing to manually navigate through the Camera app.