Apple’s highly anticipated flagship smartphone, the iPhone 15 Pro, slated for its debut this year, seems poised to introduce a novel feature — an Action button — following indications of related elements spotted within the latest iOS 17 beta. Leaked information had previously hinted at a new physical button replacing the mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. A recent development suggests that Apple’s forthcoming Pro models may offer the flexibility of configuring up to nine distinct functions.
The most recent iOS 17 beta 4 release for developers, encompassing interface adjustments and bug fixes, contains coding that hints at the existence of the rumored Action button, as per a MacRumors report. The code further implies that this button could encompass a range of utilities, spanning from accessibility settings adjustments to activating and deactivating Focus modes.
Beyond taking over the role of the current mute switch, the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button could potentially enable swift toggling of Focus modes and activate features like AssistiveTouch, Zoom, and other accessibility tools, as per the report. Additionally, it could facilitate rapid flashlight control and expedite both launching and capturing photos.
Moreover, the Action button may serve as a conduit for executing specific Shortcuts, initiating the Translate app, or recording voice memos on the device. Individuals reliant on the Magnifier app for reading small text could potentially customize the button for convenient access to this utility.
As iOS 17 and the impending iPhone 15 Pro continue to evolve, Apple enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of this purportedly versatile and adaptable Action button.
Earlier this year, media reports hinted at Apple’s potential move to substitute the mute switch on the forthcoming iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max with an Action button akin to the one found on the Apple Watch Ultra, introduced last year. Speculation at the time suggested that this button could serve as a versatile control hub for a multitude of device functions, encompassing tasks like theme toggling, activating low power mode, locking screen rotation, capturing screenshots, utilizing the built-in Shazam feature, and more.
Coincidentally, leaked images of purported iPhone 15 Pro cases emerged on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo recently. These images indicate the inclusion of a novel button positioned above the volume controls on the phone’s left side. This is noteworthy given that prior iPhone Pro models, such as the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, incorporated a mute switch in the very same location.
It’s important to acknowledge that this new button, similar to other buttons on the device, is covered by the case, marking a departure from the previous cutout design for the mute switch. However, it’s advisable to treat these assertions and leaked visuals with caution, as there remains a considerable span of time before Apple’s anticipated launch of the iPhone 15 series of smartphones.
