Overview

• Chinese leaker Instant Digital says Apple is testing a pressure-only version of the Camera Control for the iPhone 18, with trial production of the pressure modules underway.
• The redesign would remove the current capacitive layer under sapphire glass and rely on pressure sensing to handle taps, presses, and sliding gestures.
• Reports attribute the move to high production and after-sales repair costs for the dual-sensor setup, which have created internal cost pressure.
• The approach is described as similar to implementations in devices from OPPO and vivo where pressure sensors alone detect multiple gesture types.
• An earlier Weibo claim that Apple would drop the feature is now disputed, with outlets noting Instant Digital’s stronger track record; Apple has not confirmed any change.