Apple officially launched the iPhone 16e, the most affordable model in its current lineup, which lacks the Camera Control button found on the iPhone 16 series. Despite this, the iPhone 16e will still include Apple’s Visual Intelligence AI features. Additionally, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will also receive Visual Intelligence through a future update, likely with iOS 18.4 in early April. Users can customize the Action Button to access Visual Intelligence, which will also be available in the Control Center, resolving previous limitations for these models without the Camera Control feature.
Yesterday, Apple officially announced the iPhone 16e, its most affordable model in the current lineup, which surprisingly does not include the Camera Control button that was launched alongside the other iPhone 16 variants. The Camera Control feature serves as the exclusive gateway to access Apple’s Visual Intelligence AI functionalities; however, the iPhone 16e will still support these features despite its lack of a Camera Control button.
Similarly, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will also gain access to Visual Intelligence. A recent report indicates that Apple has confirmed these devices will receive the Visual Intelligence feature through a future update—possibly with iOS 18.4, expected to roll out in early April. Users of these three devices, which lack the Camera Control button, will have the option to assign the Action Button to Visual Intelligence. Furthermore, Visual Intelligence will be accessible in the Control Center for those who prefer using the Action Button for alternative functions.
This development is a significant advantage for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which are the oldest iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence. Until now, they have missed out on Visual Intelligence capabilities due to not having the Camera Control button—but it seems that this feature wasn’t necessary after all. What an unexpected turn of events!
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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