The iPhone 16 is rumored to include the Action button, previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro, which allows users to customize shortcuts for various actions. This feature could enhance multitasking and personalization, making the iPhone experience more consistent across models. The iPhone 16 is expected to have moderate upgrades, with the Action button being a significant addition for non-Pro users.
Carl Pei, CEO of Nothing, teased images of the upcoming Nothing Phone 3, showcasing a redesigned Quick Settings menu and hinting at a new action button on the device's edge. The images suggest the phone will maintain a minimalist design with circular icons replacing pill-shaped buttons. The potential action button, similar to the iPhone 15's, has sparked speculation and excitement among tech enthusiasts.
Apple is set to include the customizable Action button, introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro models, on all upcoming iPhone 16 models. A poll of iPhone 15 Pro users revealed that while some find the button useful for custom shortcuts and quick access to functions like the camera and flashlight, others forget it's there or press it accidentally. Users have expressed frustration at the lack of flexibility in customizing the button's functionality, with some hoping for the ability to set different actions for short presses, double presses, and triple presses.
The author expresses satisfaction with their original Apple Watch Ultra, highlighting its outstanding battery life and powerful S8 chip. They find the new features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, such as the S9 chip and Double Tap gesture, to be nice but not necessary. The author particularly appreciates the Action button, which they use daily for launching the Workout app. Overall, they believe the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra is still an excellent smartwatch and see no need to upgrade to the Ultra 2.
Leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 16 will feature an Action Button, allowing users to customize its function, while the mute switch will be removed. There are also discussions about the inclusion of a Capture Button that can act as a shutter button for the camera. Additionally, Bloomberg reports that the base model of the iPhone 16 will not see any changes to its display, and there may be a new dedicated button for taking videos.
Apple is facing the challenge of improving the iPhone 16 without disrupting the iPhone 16 Pro. The addition of the Action Button, which replaces the physical mute control, is expected to be a key feature in the iPhone 16. There are also rumors of a Capture Button being added. However, the iPhone 16 is likely to have a 60 Hz refresh rate, a downgraded chipset compared to the Pro models, and a less advanced camera, indicating that it may not be the best iPhone available. Apple's strategy seems to be to limit the vanilla iPhone models and create a clear distinction between the vanilla and Pro models.
Rumors suggest that all four models of the iPhone 16 lineup will feature an Action button, with Apple planning to enhance its functionality and switch to a capacitive button design. The new Action button may have a force sensor to detect changes in pressure and could potentially be assigned to multiple functions. Apple has also experimented with different sizes for the button. However, these details are based on pre-production information and subject to change.
Apple is planning to include the user-configurable Action button, introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, across the entire iPhone 16 lineup. The Action button replaces the mute switch and can be configured to perform various functions such as toggling silent mode, activating the flashlight, launching the camera app, opening shortcuts, and more. The button will be changed from mechanical to a capacitive-type button, similar to the Touch ID Home button or Force Touch trackpad. The Action button will also appear on the next iPhone SE fourth-generation.
The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a revamped design with an iPhone 14-style chassis, a 48-megapixel single camera system, and an action button for user customization. The device is expected to be released in 2025.
A TikToker has demonstrated how he uses the action button on his iPhone 15 Pro to order Starbucks coffee with a single click, bypassing the need for the app. The new action button can be customized for various functions, such as ordering coffee, turning off lights, or activating Do Not Disturb mode. Users can create shortcuts to make their daily lives more convenient. The iPhone 15 Pro's action button has been praised as a significant new feature, although the model has faced criticism for overheating issues.
Apple's new iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models feature an Action button that replaces the traditional Ring/Silent switch. Users can customize the button's function by going into the Settings menu and choosing from options such as Focus, Camera, Flashlight, Voice Memos, Magnifier, Shortcuts, Accessibility, Silent Mode, or No Action. Additionally, users can personalize their Accessibility options by selecting features like Zoom, Voice Control, Live Captions, Guided Access, or Live Speech. Shortcuts can also be assigned to the Action button, allowing users to automate tasks such as opening the Notes app, starting a FaceTime call, launching Shazam, arming/disarming a security system, or opening the Calendar.
The popular camera app Halide has found a way to utilize the new Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max for in-app interactions. Users can set custom shortcuts in the Action Button settings to perform various actions within the app, such as switching between lenses and enabling or disabling RAW. However, the only way to use these in-app actions is by setting the Action Button to open Halide, which may interfere with its functionality when the app is not in use. The latest Halide update also improves support for the new iPhones and is available for download on the App Store with a subscription or lifetime license.
The iPhone 15 Pro features a new multi-function Action Button that can be assigned to perform various tasks. Users can maximize its functionality by utilizing Shortcuts. One method is the MultiButton Shortcut, which allows two separate shortcuts to be assigned to the Action Button, enabling different actions with single or double presses. Another approach is Position-Based Actions, where the orientation of the iPhone triggers different actions, such as toggling silent mode or capturing photos/videos. Additionally, users can set the Action Button to show the Shortcuts Folder, providing quick access to frequently used shortcuts.
Some case manufacturers misdesigned iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max cases by making a cutout instead of a button for the new Action button introduced by Apple. Lack of exact information from Apple led to reliance on rumors, resulting in subpar design choices. Peak Design, one of the companies, manufactured and shipped 30,000 cases with cutouts before realizing the mistake. They will create updated designs and offer store credit to affected customers. Other brands like Nomad correctly included a physical button, while Bellroy made the same mistake as Peak Design. Customers are advised to carefully review case images before purchasing.
The iPhone 15 Pro case market is facing challenges due to the introduction of the new Action Button. While some third-party manufacturers correctly anticipated the change and designed cases with a metal button to activate the Action Button, others opted for a cutout above the volume buttons to expose the traditional ringer switch. This has resulted in the Action Button being recessed and difficult to use. The problem arises because case makers rely on rumors and reporting to design their products before the iPhone is officially announced. Companies like Peak Design and Bellroy have acknowledged the issue and are working on solutions, but it may take several weeks for updated designs to be available. Customers are advised to consider return policies or wait for cases with proper buttons to be released.