The latest iPhone operating system, iOS 17, brings a notable change to the Phone app: the end-call button will relocate to the bottom right corner. This update, highlighted by CNBC, marks one of the most significant refinements to how calls are managed on iPhone in recent years.
Previously, the end-call control sat at the bottom center of the screen. With iOS 17, the end call control and other on-call options shift downward toward the lower edge of the display. This means actions like muting the microphone, enabling speakerphone, and adding participants to the call will appear closer to the bottom edge, aligning with a new ergonomic layout designed for easier thumb reach and one-handed use.
CNBC notes that users may need time to adapt to the new arrangement because muscle memory has long associated the center-bottom end call button with ending conversations. Apple, however, argues that the new positions will deliver improved accessibility and comfort, especially on larger iPhone models where reach can be an issue during a live call.
Apple unveiled iOS 17 at WWDC 2023, with the event signaling a broad set of updates across Messages, FaceTime, and and the overall user experience. Since then, iOS 17 has progressed through developer and public betas and has become available to the public after additional refinements. The rollout has occurred in stages, with ongoing updates focused on stability, privacy, and performance improvements that enhance daily use for people in North America and beyond.
Beyond the call controls, iOS 17 introduces features designed to streamline communication, personalize interactions, and reduce friction in routine tasks. The Phone app’s updated layout is one part of a larger effort to make essential on-screen actions more intuitive, especially during moments when a user is engaged in a call and needs quick access to core functions. As with any change to a familiar interface, feedback from users and hands-on testing will shape small adjustments in subsequent updates.
In practical terms, the shift may affect how people perform common tasks during a call, such as switching to speaker mode, muting the mic, or inviting others to join. The redesign emphasizes reachability and speed, aiming to minimize the need for a second hand to reach controls mid-conversation. These changes reflect a broader trend in iOS toward minimizing finger gymnastics while preserving quick access to essential features. As a result, users can expect a period of adaptation, followed by a more fluid experience once the new habit forms.
For those planning to upgrade, iOS 17 remains part of a continuum of updates that focus on improving system-wide responsiveness, app integration, and user empowerment. The Phone app’s revised control scheme is a tangible example of how Apple seeks to refine everyday interactions through thoughtful interface tweaks, balancing familiarity with progressive usability. As more users adopt the update, further feedback will likely influence minor refinements in subsequent patches and versions.
Overall, the move to the bottom-right end-call button and the downshift of other on-call controls represents a deliberate redesign aimed at better ergonomics and faster access. While the change may feel unusual at first, it is part of a broader effort to align iPhone’s software with real-world hand movements and the realities of mobile use today.