Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro and Max
Apple has long been known for its innovative approach to technology, and it appears that the upcoming iPhone 15 Series phones will be no exception. According to recent reports, the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will feature a new solid-state button design, replacing the traditional physical buttons with capacitive sensing and haptic feedback technology.
This new button design doesn’t actually move but instead simulates presses, long presses, and varying degrees of pressure through capacitive sensing and haptic feedback. It uses a mechanism similar to Force Touch and Taptic Engine haptic feedback to detect presses, long presses, and pressure sensations. This will allow users to interact with their devices in new and innovative ways.
One of the most significant changes is the replacement of the silent paddle on the side of the device that has been present since the very first iPhone. Instead, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will feature an Apple Watch Ultra-like Action Button that users can customize based on their preferences. Expected customizable options include toggle ringing and silent status, enabling/disabling do not disturb mode, enabling/disabling flashlight, enabling/disabling power-saving mode, toggle light/dark theme, rotation lock, show home/lock screen, open control/notification center, open camera, take a screenshot, run a shortcut, show multitasking view, show App library, and more.
Another significant development is the use of an ultra-low power chip that will allow the new volume, power, and Action solid-state buttons to work even when the phone is turned off or runs out of power. This will ensure that certain functions, including Find My Phone, Bluetooth/UWB, and Apple Pay Express payment mode, continue to work when the device is turned off or out of power.
Despite these exciting developments, some iPhone users have expressed concerns about how the new capacitive button will work when using a case or glove. In response, Apple has revealed that iOS 17 will add a new sensitivity switch that will allow users to adjust the sensitivity of the buttons based on different usage scenarios. This will ensure that the buttons continue to function properly even when using a case or glove.
Overall, the new solid-state button design is an exciting development that promises to enhance the user experience and offer new and innovative ways to interact with our devices. With the expected release of the iPhone 15 Series phones in September this year, we can look forward to seeing these developments in action and experiencing them for ourselves.