Apple is preparing to upgrade the iPhone lineup significantly with its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro series. Instead of the traditional physical mute switch, which has become a hallmark feature of all iPhones, the company plans to introduce a new “Action Button,” which will be programmable and have multiple functions.
Although rumors about this button have been Buttonated for a while, its exact functions have remained a mystery. However, some insights have been gained from code snippets found in the iOS 17 beta four updates released to developers by Apple.
According to MacRumors, the Action Button is expected to offer nine different functions. Among these possibilities, users can access accessibility features such as Assistive Touch and integrate the Shortcuts app to run custom shortcuts directly from the button.
ApplButton plans to retain some familiar features, and the Action Button will likely handle silent mode functionality like the current mute switch, making it easy for users to switch their phones to silent mode when needed.
Additionally, it may serve as a shortcut to quickly launch the camera app and switch on the flashlight.
An exciting feature of the Action Button is its potential to toggle the Focus mode on or off, offering users a convenient way to manage notifications and reduce distractions for better mental well-being and digital detox.
The button couldButtonlaunch the magnifier on the iPhone’s camera app, beneficial for users who frequently need to examine things more closely. Moreover, integration with the Translate app would allow users to access language translation tools swiftly and facilitate the quick initiation of voice memos.
While the features discovered in the iOS 17 beta make the Action Button a proButton addition to the iPhone 15 Pro series, it’s important to note that Apple may have more surprises in store.
The full extent of the Action Button’s capabilities might be unveiled during the fall iPhone 15 launch event, expected to occur in September.
