Apple appears poised to take smartphone photography even further with its future iPhone lineup. According to the well-regarded tipster Max Jambor, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro—expected to launch in 2026—could feature as many as three physical camera buttons, marking a significant departure from the typical reliance on software controls in current smartphones.
If the leak proves accurate, these additional buttons would offer photographers tactile, precise controls reminiscent of traditional cameras, a design move that could set Apple apart from competitors. The rumor even suggests the possibility of a fourth camera button, available via an official Apple case, further expanding physical camera controls for users who demand them.
Apple’s move toward more physical camera buttons began with the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro. That trend may accelerate with this year’s iPhone 17 Pro, which leaks suggest will add yet another Camera Control button and introduce a powerful 8x optical zoom—potentially linked to the new physical controls to streamline adjustments on the fly.
As for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, the exact roles of the prospective three—or even four—camera buttons have yet to be revealed. These buttons could control shutter, zoom, focus lock, or provide a dedicated video record option, but concrete details remain under wraps for now. Nevertheless, the development underscores Apple’s ongoing strategic emphasis on enhancing hardware controls to elevate the iPhone’s photographic experience, possibly raising the bar for smartphone photography industry-wide.