Code from the latest iOS 17 beta has pointed to the possibility of the existence of a new Action button onboard the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models. It will reportedly replace the Mute switch but will still serve its purpose, apart from offering multiple other uses.
As per a new MacRumors report, code found in beta 4 of iOS 17 hints at the possibility of nine different options that users can customize the Action button to offer. Prime among them is the Silent Mode, which is what the Mute switch on all current iPhones is for.
And then there’s the Accessibility function that could let iPhone 15 Pro users quickly use accessibility features like VoiceOver, Zoom, AssistiveTouch, and more. Like on the Apple Watch Ultra, a Shortcuts option is also present, letting users set the button to trigger a particular Shortcut they’ve created.
The report also mentions a Camera shortcut, which could mean something as simple as launching the Camera app when the Action button is pressed. There’s also the possibility of the switch acting as a shutter button when clicking pictures horizontally.
A Focus option has been spotted in the code as well, and it should let users activate or deactivate a Focus mode using the Action button. Magnifier, Flashlight, Translate, and Voice Memos are all the other options mentioned in the code.
It’s worth noting that the new Action button is reserved for the Pro models, which means Apple will seemingly continue with the practice of releasing underpowered base models. Previous leaks have revealed that the A17 Bionic chip onboard the Pro models could offer a 35 percent improvement in battery life.
September is when Apple is expected to finally launch the new iPhone 15 range.