Lock iPhone Auto Exposure and Focus With Camera Control - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Lock iPhone Auto Exposure and Focus With Camera Control

by

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.

iphone 16 capture button
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.

settings

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.

camera control require screen on ios setting
It's a handy option if you find yourself pressing the button accidentally.

Popular Stories

Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

12 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:17 am PDT by
We're only three months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a ...
Apple Watch Ultra Orange Alpine Loop Action button 220907 big

Apple Explains Why watchOS 27 Drops Support for So Many Models

Friday June 19, 2026 6:07 am PDT by
Apple today detailed why five Apple Watch models will miss out on watchOS 27 and the new Siri AI features that come with it. The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and the original Apple Watch Ultra will not receive watchOS 27, and will only get basic security updates going forward. With the update, Apple is effectively dropping three years' worth of device support in a single software...
Rivian Explains Why CarPlay Debate Will Become Completely Obsolete Feature

iOS 27 Adds Major New Feature to CarPlay

Wednesday June 17, 2026 9:10 am PDT by
Last year, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the company finally provided more specific details about this functionality at WWDC 2026. In a WWDC 2026 video aimed at developers, Apple said the CarPlay video feature is available in new vehicles that support it. When playing a video in an...