Apple's latest iPhone 16 models include a new Camera Control button (located on the lower right-hand side when holding the phone in portrait mode). The new button aims to make it easier to adjust photography settings when shooting with the iPhone in both portrait and landscape orientation, but if you want, you can make it work as a simple QR code scanner.
For people whose job involves frequently interact with QR codes, this Camera Control feature could be a game-changer. In warehouse environments, for example, employees could quickly scan inventory tags without navigating through multiple app screens, significantly speeding up stock checks and order processing. The Camera Control button also allows for one-handed operation, which is particularly useful when managing clipboards or carrying items. Another neat thing is that the Camera Control button retains its zoom function in the app.
The following steps show you how to turn the Camera Control button into a QR code scanner:
- On your iPhone, open Settings.
- Tap Camera.
- Tap Camera Control.
- Select the Code Scanner option.
That's all there is to it. Now when you click Camera Control, the QR code scanner app will be instantly invoked. You'll also see that there's a Magnifier option that you can assign to the button from this settings menu. Of course, if you find no use for Camera Control, you can always disable the button entirely.
