Apple is working to simplify the Camera Control button's design on the iPhone 18 in order to reduce costs, claims an established Chinese leaker. The current Camera Control button on iPhone 17 models uses both capacitive and pressure sensors beneath a sapphire crystal surface.
I initially thought the same. I finally upgraded my phone this year and since the new phones have the button I just tried it out and ended up really liking it. I would consider myself a photography enthusiast though, so I can see this is not for everyone. It just feels more like an actual camera. The position is still awkward, though