The iPhone Camera app has always been simple, sometimes to a fault. While this simplicity was great for the wider audience, the Camera app seemed to fall behind the Android competitors. But Apple may finally be ready to give users more control over what shows up on the screen.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a major Camera app interface update that will let users customize the row of controls at the top of the viewfinder. It also goes beyond just the simple UI elements being moved around, by adding new “widgets”.
How widgets work in the new Camera app
The app will still open with the same familiar default controls. So you can expect the usual toggles for resolution, night mode, flash, and Live Photos. The big difference now is that users will be able to switch to an “advanced” layout or build their own set of controls.
Each capture mode will reportedly have its own widget setup. That means Photo mode, Video mode, and other camera modes could each have distinct shooting tools instead of forcing one fixed interface across the app.
Gurman says users will be able to pick widgets from a transparent “Add Widgets” tray that slides up from the bottom of the Camera app. It sounds like a small change, but for people who constantly dig through menus for the same few controls, this could make the app feel more intuitive.
Giving the users more control
The Photo mode’s advanced tray reportedly includes depth-of-field and exposure controls, with widgets divided into categories such as basic, manual, and settings. Users will also be able to add controls for the timer and photographic styles. Apple is also adding new grid and level options inside the Camera app, which should make composition tools easier to access without having to shift through the Settings app.
Another interface tweak involves the button that reveals all available controls. Apparently, the company is planning on moving it from the top-right corner of the Camera interface to a new position on the right side of the shutter button. Putting more control in the hands of the users adds flexibility. This could be something handy for enthusiasts and those who are looking to explore more ways of shooting from their iPhones.
Even Siri is getting involved
A big addition appears to be with Siri. The updated Camera app may include a Siri mode alongside Photo, Video, and other capture options. This mode would tie into Apple’s Visual Intelligence features to help identify plants, translate text, and understand objects or scenes through the camera. Meaning, the Camera app also doubles as an AI-powered visual tool, which is in line with recent rumors of AI moving into iPhone’s photography experience.
Apple has usually kept the iPhone Camera app clean and approachable, and casual users can stick to the default setup. But more demanding users can get more mileage from this change.