The physical button on Apple’s iPhone Smart Battery Case explained

Apple recently launched a Smart Battery Case that brings a physical camera button to the iPhone 11 series—along with extended battery life, of course. But given that there isn’t a dedicated camera button on the iPhone 11 itself, many of us have wondered how the case actually works.

Does it work wirelessly? Is it software based? To solve the mystery, the folks over at iFixit and Creative Electron have done a little digging to find out how the case actually works. It turns out, Apple has put in quite a lot of work to get something as simple as a camera shortcut on their case—and perhaps that’s why the cases are so pricey.

Based on X-rays, the case has a small circuit board within. If you take a closer look at the photos above, you’ll see two thin circuits running from the physical camera button, which connect to the the circuit board, which presumably sends the information to the phone via the Lightning port.

It seems like a lot of work just to have a physical camera button, but it’s an interesting bit of insight into how the new cases actually work. Of course, it’s worth noting that many Android phones already offer easy access to their camera apps by simply double-pressing the power button.

Instead, you’ll have to pay RM539 for the privilege on the iPhone. There are other options, however, although most require Bluetooth connectivity with your iPhone—which presumably drains your battery a little faster. This solution, on the other hand, appears to be a first on an iPhone case.

Unfortunately, it looks like this functionality will be limited to the battery case for now. Standard iPhone cases (that don’t have bulging batteries on the back) won’t be able to use the same methodology, as they don’t have any circuits running within them.

Would you pay RM539 for the added function—and up to 50% of the added battery life that Apple is promising? Let us know in the comments below.

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