Lock iPhone Auto Exposure and Focus With Camera Control

Apple's iPhone 16 and newer models include a new Camera Control button (located on the lower right-hand side when holding the phone in portrait mode), and includes a handy bit of functionality that can make focusing in on subjects a lot simpler.

It's possible to lock the camera's auto exposure and auto focus settings with a light press of Camera Control. The option isn't on by default, but you can enable it in the following way.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Select Camera.
3. Select Camera Control.
4. Under "Light Press," toggle on the switch beside AE/EF Lock.

That's all there is to it – the change should take place immediately, allowing you to lock in auto-exposure and auto-focus settings with a light press before you take your shot.

Require Screen On

Apple also added a new Camera Control toggle in Settings ➝ Camera ➝ Camera Control. The new toggle is called Require Screen On. When enabled, this setting requires that your iPhone screen is illuminated before a press of the Camera Control button will open the Camera app or a compatible third-party camera app.

It's a handy option if you find yourself pressing the button accidentally.