In iOS 18.2, Apple has introduced a thoughtful new feature for the Camera Control button on iPhone 16 models that helps prevent accidental camera launches by requiring the screen to be on before the button will register clicks. Keep reading to gain more control over when the Camera app opens.
Apple located the Camera Control button to make it conveniently placed for quick access, but it can sometimes be too responsive – especially during those moments when you're not actually trying to take a photo.
Recognizing the potential for this, Apple in iOS 18.2 has added a new Require Screen On feature for Camera Control. It's particularly useful if you often find your iPhone accidentally opening the Camera app while it's in your pocket or bag. By requiring the screen to be on first, you can significantly reduce those unwanted camera launches while still maintaining quick access when you need it.
Require Screen On for Camera Control
Here's how to enable the new option to prevent accidental Camera Control presses:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone 16.
- Scroll down and tap Display & Brightness.
- Look for the Camera Control section.
- Toggle on Require Screen On.
Once enabled, you'll need to wake your iPhone's screen before the Camera Control button will respond. This extra step adds just enough friction to prevent accidental activation while keeping the camera readily accessible when you need it.
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Top Rated Comments
I immediately turned it off, as I want the camera button to always do the same thing no matter what.
I think the default behavior is the worse behavior honestly, since it makes camera control inconsistent: sometimes it requires 2 presses, and sometimes just 1. Especially if you’re pulling the phone out of your pocket at the same time you’re opening the camera, it’s pretty much a crapshoot: will the motion of the phone wake up the screen before I press the button or not?
If you’re like me and don’t have an issue with accidentally opening the camera, I recommend turning the Require Screen option off. Otherwise, I would actually recommend the option in camera control settings to always require two button presses. This reduces the chance of accidental activation while allowing you to still have an action that does the same thing every time.
I'm rocking 18.1 and since day 1 my camera button will only launch the camera if the screen is on. If the screen is off it wakes the device only and requires a second click to launch the camera. That it doesn't reliably take me to the camera in all cases has been extremely annoying.