Apple's foldable device maintains Camera Control, but taking photos with one hand on a large foldable may be challenging.

      Apple undertook significant engineering challenges to make this a reality, but is it truly worthwhile?

      Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone has been the focus of numerous leaks, with the latest one emerging from Weibo leaker Instant Digital. As reported by Notebookcheck, this leak hints that the iPhone Fold will feature a Camera Control button, even though it is thinner than the iPhone Air when opened.

      Achieving this is no trivial task. Integrating the Camera Control button into such a slim device must have necessitated extensive engineering efforts by Apple. Nonetheless, it appears that Apple deemed it important.

      Why is Apple so focused on camera control?

      According to the leaker, the rationale is straightforward: one-handed photography. Foldables typically face the challenge of needing one hand to hold the device while the other is used to navigate the screen.

      The leaker also claims that Apple believes the Camera Control feature allows for zooming, adjusting settings, and taking photos or videos using just one hand. This seems reasonable in theory, but its practical effectiveness remains to be seen.

      Will usability actually improve?

      Truthfully, it's difficult to determine without hands-on experience. The iPhone Fold will have a larger and broader profile than a standard iPhone, and using your thumb or index finger to operate the Camera Control button while holding the device doesn't appear particularly comfortable.

      I have utilized the Camera Control button on both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone Air, and from my perspective, it can be quite frustrating. It lacks intuitiveness and is tricky to manage.

      For instance, I often find it challenging to achieve the desired level of zoom, as it tends to overshoot or undershoot my intentions. I find on-screen controls provide greater accuracy for zoom adjustments.

      In my experience, my sole applications for the Camera Control over the past couple of years have been launching the camera and functioning as a shutter button, excelling in those contexts. I would prefer an iPhone with it rather than without.

      However, I can’t envision myself using the Camera Control button for adjusting settings like zoom or exposure. If it's cumbersome on my iPhone Air, I doubt it will function better on a thinner, larger iPhone Fold.