During its September announcement of the iPhone 16, Apple highlighted several features of the new Camera Control, including the nifty ability to switch camera modes and zoom by swiping. However, one notable function was absent from the presentation and is now included in the latest beta of iOS 18.2—the ability to lock both focus and exposure from within Camera Control.
New Features in Camera Control with iOS 18.2
The latest beta, iOS 18.2 beta 2, was rolled out for developers on Monday and introduces the long-awaited focus and exposure lock feature for iPhone 16 models. To activate this feature, users must navigate to the Camera app settings. By simply pressing and holding the Camera Control icon, users can lock the focus and exposure according to their current preferences.
These settings will remain locked as long as the user continues to hold the button. While Apple demonstrated this capability during its iPhone 16 presentations in September, the company confirmed that it would be available in a future software update, which we now know is iOS 18.2.
Interestingly, Apple began testing iOS 18.2 prior to the public launch of iOS 18.1. This substantial update brings various new features centered around Apple Intelligence, including functionalities like Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, and enhanced Visual Intelligence for iPhone 16 models. Moreover, it simplifies the management of default apps and broadens the availability of Apple Intelligence across additional countries.
Apple has announced that the public release of iOS 18.2 is scheduled for December, although a beta version is currently limited to developers.
Have you noticed any new features in the recent releases of iOS 18.2 beta 2 or iPadOS 18.2 beta 2? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac and Threads @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of the latest updates right here on 9to5Mac as the week unfolds.