What you should know
- Last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models replaced the Ring/Silent switch with the Action Button, which allows users to control several features.
- The Action Button is expected to be found on all four iPhone 16 models later this year, and it may be a solid state button that responds to touch.
- Apple is currently testing different button configurations for the iPhone 16 Pro, including variations of volume and Action Buttons, and a new Capture Button for starting video recordings.
- The design of the buttons for the iPhone 16 models is still in flux, and changes can still be made before the phone’s unveiling in eight months.
Full Story
Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro models introduced a new feature. They replaced the Ring/Silent switch with the Action Button. This button is versatile, allowing users to control one of several features.
The Action Button’s functionality isn’t set in stone. It can be changed anytime. The list of features it can control is pretty extensive.
You can use it to switch the silent mode on or off, just like the button it replaced. Or you can use it to turn a particular Focus on or off. It can also open the camera app instantly for a quick photo or video. The flashlight feature can be controlled too.
The button can also start and stop recording a voice memo. It can open the magnifier app. It can translate text from one language to another. You can use it to open an app or run your favorite shortcut. It can even open an accessibility feature. And if you want, you can set it to take no action.
This Action Button is expected to be found on all iPhone 16 models later this year. The first iPhone 16 Pro prototypes suggested something interesting. The Action Button would be solid state. It wouldn’t be a physical, mechanical button, but would respond to touch.
Apple was also said to be experimenting with the size of the new Action Button. One version tested was as large as the volume buttons on the iPhone 16 Pro. But, that’s not all.
Apple has been making changes as it moves into the “Proto2” design stage for the iPhone 16 Pro. MacRumors reported that Apple has tested four button configurations. These include a unified volume button with a small Action Button, a unified volume button with a large Action Button and a Capture Button, and separate volume buttons with a large Action Button and a Capture Button flush with the frame.
The fourth configuration is currently being tested on the iPhone 16 Pro prototype. It has separate volume buttons with a small Action Button (the same size as the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro), and a Capture Button flush with the frame.
The Capture Button is expected to start video recordings with a tap. Earlier prototypes showed that button on the right side of all iPhone 16 models under the power button. But, U.S. 5G iPhone models have the mmWave 5G antenna on that side of the phone. So, iPhone 16 models in the States will have to move the 5G mmWave antenna to the left side if that setup is used.
However, the latest render seen on MacRumors has the Capture Button on the left side under the volume buttons. The Capture Button will be capacitive, meaning it will respond to touch and won’t be mechanical.
We still have eight months before Apple unveils the iPhone 16 line. So, the design of the buttons for the phones is still in flux. If your favorite button configuration isn’t the latest one being tested, don’t worry. Changes can still be made.
