Apple is set to introduce a first for the iPhone line: a customizable action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, a feature that mirrors the practical approach already seen in the Apple Watch Ultra. This detail has surfaced in reporting from MacRumors, which references unnamed sources close to the development process.
According to the sources, the action button would replace the traditional volume mode switch that has graced iPhones for many years, since the original design introduced in 2007. The shift marks a notable change in the hardware layout, prioritizing quick access over the longstanding dual-tone volume controls.
The core idea behind the new button is personalization. Users will be able to assign a short list of functions that they find most useful, creating a tailored experience that can shave precious seconds off common tasks. This setup aligns with Apple’s broader emphasis on user autonomy and efficient workflows across its devices.
Among the suggested uses cited by the portal are launching the camera, capturing a screenshot or recording the screen, turning on the flashlight, engaging a music-recognition feature, and enabling a low-power mode. The menu of actions is designed to be easily reachable and responsive, aiming to streamline day-to-day operations without navigating through multiple menus.
There is also a note about how these actions could be invoked beyond the front-facing hardware. Some capabilities may be accessed by tapping or interacting with the back of the device, reflecting ongoing experiments with alternative input surfaces that could complement the new button and expand the iPhone’s tactile control options.
In addition to the action button, the Pro line is expected to retain the distinctive solid feedback of its physical controls. The proposal includes a single, integrated press mechanism for volume control, replacing the previous two-button arrangement with a more compact, tactile unit that remains resistant to accidental presses while offering clear, definitive feedback when pressed.
Visual renderings circulated by a former Apple insider have depicted the iPhone 15 Pro with clearly visible touch-capable volume controls, reinforcing expectations about how the hardware will feel in daily use. These previews contribute to the growing anticipation about how the redesigned hardware will blend with iOS updates and future software features. [citation attribution: MacRumors, via sources close to development]