The iPhone 15 Series witnessed a slew of enhancements this year, with Apple introducing a Dynamic Island that eliminated the notch in the base model. The most significant transformation was Apple’s departure from the lightning port, opting for USB-C instead.
iPhone 16 Series Set to Bring Action Button
In another notable change, Apple revamped its iconic mute switch, replacing it with an Action Button on the Pro models. Recent reports suggest that the forthcoming iPhone 16 Series might extend this alteration to all models, potentially marking a substantial shift in iPhone port configurations, akin to the removal of the headphone jack.
Reports from Macrumors indicate that Apple is contemplating a comprehensive redesign of its Action button, intending to replace the mute switch across base models starting with the iPhone 16. The company may enhance the button’s capabilities, potentially incorporating additional features.
The Action button itself may undergo an upgrade, with speculations pointing towards Apple making it a capacitive key instead of a mechanical button. Internally codenamed ‘Atlas,’ this new version of the Action button might feature on all models within the upcoming iPhone 16 Series.
Rumors suggest that the new button could have a pressure-sensitive sensor beneath, functioning similarly to the existing action button but with touch input, resembling the Touch ID on the iPhone 7. However, it’s crucial to note that these speculations are based on pre-product information from internal documents, and Apple’s actual implementation on the iPhone 16 Series might differ.
While the new Action button offers extensive customization options, allowing users to toggle the flashlight, open shortcuts, and more, some users remain discontent with the removal of the traditional mute switch. For some, the tactile satisfaction of flipping a switch is irreplaceable, while others appreciate the ease of visually confirming whether the iPhone is in silent mode by glancing at the older mute switch.
Given Apple’s precedent of replacing the mute switch with the Action button on the Pro models, a similar transition on the upcoming base models would not be surprising. Although Apple’s hardware decisions often face initial criticism during launches, users typically come to appreciate these changes as the company seamlessly integrates them through software updates.
The launch of the iPhone 16 Series is still a considerable distance away. Apple is currently refining the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models, with plans to introduce translation features in a forthcoming update.
