Apple is known for its minimalist design philosophy, and that extends to the iPhone’s hardware buttons. There’s a volume rocker, a power button, a home button (on older models), and a mute switch. But with the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple introduced a new kind of button: the Action button.
The Action button is a customizable shortcut button that can be programmed to do various tasks, such as launching the camera, turning on the flashlight, or activating Siri. It’s a welcome addition to the iPhone, and here’s why it should be included on all future iPhones, including the iPhone 16.
Increased usability and customization
The biggest reason for the Action button’s inclusion is its usefulness. You can program it to do almost anything you want through the iPhone’s Shortcuts app, opening up many possibilities. This level of customization is a welcome change for iPhone users, as traditionally, iPhone buttons have served particular purposes.
The Action button lets you tailor the iPhone to your individual needs. For example, you could program it to call your spouse, start a timer, or launch your favourite app. This is particularly useful because iPhones, unlike Android devices, lack the ability to multitask truly. There’s Picture in Picture mode for using apps while watching a YouTube video or on a FaceTime call, but that’s about it. Unlike foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, which offer a larger canvas for multitasking, iPhones are limited to a single app on one screen at a time.
The Action button’s arrival on the standard iPhone, along with the Dynamic Island feature (which came to non-Pro iPhones in 2023), could significantly reduce the number of taps, swipes, and app switching required for common tasks. Imagine being able to instantly order your morning coffee with a button press, activate Do Not Disturb mode to silence your phone during a meeting, or launch a voice memo to capture a fleeting thought – all without having to navigate through multiple apps.
A more consistent iPhone experience
Bringing the Action button to the regular iPhone would also create a more consistent iPhone experience across Apple’s lineup. Consistency is a major advantage of iPhones over Android devices. With few exceptions (like the removal of the home button in 2017), the way you use an iPhone remains largely unchanged from year to year. This makes it easier for users to pick up a new iPhone and feel comfortable with it right away. The Action button, if included on all iPhones, would further solidify this consistency.
The iPhone 16 and the Action Button
The iPhone 16 is expected to be a modest upgrade over the iPhone 15. While it may sport a new A18 chip and other minor improvements, the most interesting new feature on the standard iPhone 16 might be the Action button.
The Pro models are rumoured to receive more substantial upgrades, such as a new video capture button, larger screens, and an improved telephoto lens. However, for those who don’t want to spend extra on the Pro features, the Action button on the standard iPhone 16 could be a major selling point.
The future of the Action Button
The Action button is still a new feature, but it has the potential to become an even more powerful tool in the future. Apple could open up the ability for third-party apps to integrate with the Action button, allowing for even more customization possibilities. Imagine being able to launch a specific workout routine in your fitness app or control your smart home devices with a single button press.
With its proven usefulness, the Action button deserves a place on all future iPhones. It offers increased usability, customization, and a more consistent iPhone experience. As Apple continues to develop the Action button, it has the potential to become an even more essential part of the iPhone experience.
