According to a report cited by MacRumors, Apple is planning to simplify the Camera Control button on the iPhone 18 by removing one of its sensing layers to reduce manufacturing costs.
The current button, introduced with the iPhone 17 lineup, combines capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface, allowing for taps, presses, and swipes to control the camera.
A leaker known as Instant Digital claims Apple will drop the capacitive sensing layer in the second-generation version, relying solely on pressure recognition to achieve the same range of Camera Control functions.
Author's summary: Apple simplifies iPhone 18 camera button design.