Why has the iPhone achieved such remarkable success? It can be attributed to its inherent simplicity

One of the significant contributions from Steve Jobs and Jony Ive to Apple's design process is their focus on product idealism. Apple strives to simplify ridiculously complex products, which are a fusion of cutting-edge hardware design and massive software code bases.

This philosophy has resulted in the creation of wildly successful products that are adored by Apple's customers. The introduction of a new feature in the iPhone 15 exemplifies Apple's commitment to idealism.

The key principle behind Apple's design is simplicity. When Apple introduced Portrait Mode to the iPhone in 2016, the goal was to enable smartphone photos to rival those captured by expensive cameras with long lenses. Achieving this required analyzing the photo and adding an artificial blur to the background.

Initially, the implementation of Portrait Mode in iOS 10.1 was basic and provided numerous prompts, asking users to adjust their position, find better lighting, or move closer. These prompts were necessary because Portrait Mode only worked under specific conditions.

Since then, there have been significant advancements. With the help of machine-learning algorithms and additional phone sensors, today's portrait mode shots surpass the quality of those captured in 2016. However, the launch of the iPhone 15 takes this experience to a whole new level. Now, Portrait shots are automatically taken, even if Portrait Mode is not enabled.

This exemplifies Apple's dedication to simplicity, as users no longer need to choose the specific settings required to capture Portrait shots. Previously, Portrait Mode was restricted to a separate section of the Camera app due to its technical constraints. Yet, with advancements in iPhone's sensors, software, and hardware, the phone itself can now determine, on a per-shot basis, whether capturing Portrait information is necessary. As a result, users can enjoy a seamless experience without the need for manual input.

Contemplating the perfect Camera app leads to a deeper understanding of Apple's ultimate goals in design. While Apple offers expert settings for users who desire more control, the majority of iPhone users simply want to capture moments effortlessly. Their primary focus is pressing the shutter button and having the photo look perfect without any additional interventions. Deep within Apple Park, there is an inherent belief that the Camera app should prioritize simplicity. Apple continues to build hardware that aligns with this principle.

Ideally, Apple envisions a Camera app devoid of unnecessary modes, except perhaps for video and stills. Every interface element within the app should be scrutinized and eliminated if it is deemed superfluous. Apple has already taken steps to streamline the experience. For instance, they have made zoom functionality a continuous, high-quality data flow within the image processing pipeline, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings. The shutter button also represents a bundle of image captures at various resolutions and light settings, all processed to deliver the desired final image.

There is room for improvement. Why not activate Action Mode automatically? Why not capture multiple full-resolution frames in every shot, enabling users to choose the perfect frame afterward? (Many cameras already detect and delay capturing shots until a subject stops blinking, but this is just the beginning.)

The ultimate goal is to allow users to lift their iPhones and effortlessly capture scenes while the software intelligently selects the best video clips and still images, organizing them into a gallery. In fact, Apple may even imagine a future where capture happens on a wearable device to spare users from tiring their arms during events like birthday parties. Although this may be years away, Apple's dedication to simplicity suggests they are already envisioning such possibilities.

Simplicity also extends to hardware. When Apple unveiled the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro, some criticized it as redundant since there are already various ways to access the Camera app from the lock screen. While this criticism holds truth, those methods still require users to retrieve their phones from their pockets, swipe or tap in the right place, and possibly glance down to ensure proper execution. Although these gestures are simpler than unlocking the phone with Face ID and locating the Camera app icon, there is room for further simplicity.

Imagine effortlessly reaching into your pocket and capturing a shot with the Action Button mapped to the Camera app.