How to customize iPhone in-app camera controls in iOS 27
Apple’s iOS 27 reshapes the way photographers interact with the Camera app by relocating the six‑dot icon and allowing a fully personalized top row of essential controls. This guide walks you through every step, from updating your device to resetting the layout, while highlighting the full suite of options you can now pin for instant access.
Why the Change Matters
Historically, the Camera app displayed a static row of Essentials at the top, showing only Flash, Live Photo, and Night Mode. To reach deeper settings such as Aspect ratio or Photo Filters, users had to tap the six‑dot icon, then select the desired category and finally choose a specific option. iOS 27 moves the six‑dot icon to the lower portion of the screen, freeing the top area for a customizable set of icons that reflect each user’s most‑used features. Even when you clear the row entirely, context‑aware icons like Flash and the Night Mode moon will still appear automatically when lighting conditions demand them.
Step‑by‑Step Customization Process
Ensure your device runs iOS 27; if you’re on a iOS 27 beta, upgrade to the latest iOS 27 RC.
Launch the Camera app.
Tap the six‑dot icon now positioned near the shutter button.
Select the new Edit button that appears at the top of the editing pane.
In the bottom pane, choose the photo controls you want to add to the top row. On a iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can add up to 8 icons. Confirm by tapping Done.
After completing these steps, each chosen icon becomes a one‑tap toggle, eliminating the need to open the six‑dot icon menu for routine adjustments. If you later decide the layout no longer suits your workflow, return to the editing screen and press Reset to Essentials at the bottom to restore the default configuration.
Full List of Addable Controls
The customizable top row can host any of the following controls, depending on your iPhone model and enabled settings:
• Flash
• Live Photo
• Aspect ratio
• Timer
• Exposure
• Photographic Styles
• Photo Filters
• Depth control
• Night Mode
• Center Stage
• Photo file Format
• iCloud Shared Photo Library
Even after populating the row, the original six‑dot icon remains accessible for any additional options that didn’t fit the top layout, ensuring no feature is ever out of reach.
Practical Tips and Reset Options
When you remove all icons, the preview screen becomes clean, which many photographers prefer for an unobstructed viewfinder. However, Apple’s intelligent system will still surface temporary icons like Flash or the Night Mode moon when environmental lighting triggers them, guaranteeing optimal exposure without manual intervention. Should you experiment extensively and wish to revert, simply revisit the editing interface and tap Reset to Essentials, which instantly restores the original set of Essentials.
Community Feedback and Future Possibilities
Users have praised the newfound flexibility, noting that quick access to frequently used settings speeds up capture and reduces finger travel. A common suggestion is to add a bottom‑row option, placing the icons beneath the shutter button for easier thumb reach on larger iPhone models. Apple may consider this in future updates, further enhancing one‑handed operation.
For deeper dives, explore related guides such as “How to change the camera angle of existing photos in iOS 27” and “How to ask Siri what your iPhone camera sees in iOS 27.” These resources expand your mastery of the evolving camera ecosystem.