Reports the iPhone 18 will ditch the camera button seem unlikely, but something’s going on

By John McCann Published August 22, 2025

What’s happened? Conflicting reports this week are generating speculation around what Apple plans to do with its dedicated Camera Control button for the iPhone 18.

This is important because: It was somewhat of a surprise to see Apple add an additional button when it launched the iPhone 16 series last year, after years of removing buttons, switches and ports. For Apple to potentially ditch the feature after just two years would be seen as a major failing – something it’ll likely want to avoid.

Why should I care? This could be a sign Apple is possibly doing what it can to keep iPhone prices as they are. We’ve enjoyed a couple of years of static iPhone pricing, but at some point they will have to rise. If Apple can stave off a price hike for longer, or reduce the amount it has to increase, the better for us consumers.

Okay, so what’s next? With the iPhone 18 launch still over a year away, a lot can change between now and then, so we’d advise taking these rumors with a generous pinch of salt.