New iPhone feature ‘absolutely’ caters to selfie-obsessed Gen Z expert

Imagine this: An easier way for Gen Z Apple users to take selfies.

That’s the reality of the new iPhone 16 – which was unveiled this week – which includes a button on the side of the device specifically for controlling the camera.

Located on the same side as the lock button, the camera control function allows users to capture an image and even zoom in by swiping along the control button, which even zooms out for a wide-angle shot.

Gen Z is especially fond of taking selfies with 0.5x zoom, but to do this with older versions of the iPhone, they had to turn the camera around and press the volume button to take a photo.

“As far as whether the new camera control feature is designed with Gen Z in mind, I think the simple one-word answer to that is ‘absolutely,'” Monica Hillison, a marketing professor from Virginia Tech.

“Basically, think of the Camera Control feature as something that a third-party tool like Instagram, ChatGPT or Google can also access and use to complement their new technology developments, such as AI features .”

Another Virginia Tech marketing professor, Abdul Al Jumaily, told Business Insider that the innovative camera button will make phone photography “simpler, faster and more controllable,” and predicts that the device’s updated design could help the tech giant maintain its “loyal customer base.”

“The new camera control along with a larger display and improved battery performance will cement the iPhone 16 Pro Max as the top choice for Gen Z consumers,” added Al Jumaily.

While other experts say it may not be as desirable to some Zoomers in other parts of the world, the latest iteration of the iPhone, due out in September. 20, has created quite a stir in recent months as people tried to guess what new features and colors would be available.

The iPhone 16 – which will be sold in five colors: black, white, rose green and blue – will come with a number of new features beyond the significant camera upgrade, including Apple Intelligence powered by ChatGPT, improved conversational ability with Siri and more with iOS 18 software.