At its most recent event, Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max with an Action Button. The keynote speech, dubbed “Wonderlast” was aptly delivered at the Steve Jobs Theater.
The iPhone 15 Pro and the iPhone 15 Pro Max come with fascinating new features, among them being the stunning 48MP camera as well as the stately Dynamic Island.
The dynamic island is a redesigned notch at the top of the screen that will take up less space but for the purposes of this article, we want to focus on the iPhone 15 magnificent addition. The Action Button.
So what is the iPhone 15 Pro Action Button?
The action button is a button on the side of the phone that replaces the regular ring or vibrate switch.
Much like a previous similar feature that was introduced on the Apple Watch Ultra that allowed users to access various functions with a single press.
On the Apple Watch Ultra, the Action Button is visibly large and very proudly apparent as it is painted in orange.
You just can’t miss it! However, on the iPhone 15, it is all about the size of the ring/vibrate switch that it has replaced and (most pleasantly) it matches the phone’s color!
The Action Button, in all its subtlety, is majestically one of the most visually noticeable changes to the exterior of the iPhone. It just cannot be missed!
also read: iPhone 15 Camera Specs Leaked: Report
Utility of the Action Button
In essence, the action button switches the iPhone 15 from vibrate to ring modes. This is a vital function that is an upgrade from the former vibrate or ring switch that has been a well-known fixture on all iPhones since their inception in the year 2007.
Undoubtedly, there will be users that would still appreciate the way they would silence their iPhones by feel but this Action Button gives you the satisfaction of being situated at the same place as the vibrate or ring switch was.
When using the Action Button, users will experience haptic feedback, indicating a successful flip of the switch between modes.
Together with the haptic feedback are visual cues that are visible in the Dynamic Island when the action is completed.
Fortunately, Apple has not done away with the physical switch on the traditional iPhone 15, for those who would like to maintain the status quo.
Users can retain this function by simply long-pressing the new Action Button on the side of the iPhone. This will allow you to toggle between silent mode and ring mode.
You shall also retain the haptic feedback and visual cues on the Dynamic Island.
What Functions can I expect from the iPhone 15?
- Perform shortcuts
- Accessibility feature
- Flashlight toggle
- Launch Translate
- Launch Magnifier
- Launch Voice Memos
- Mute Toggle
- Launch Camera App
- Focus mode Toggle
The Accessibility feature and the Perform Shortcut feature are by far the two that give the broadest variety of options for users.
By activating the Accessibility Feature or the Perform Shortcut feature to the Action Button, the user gets an unlimited range of controls that they can access on their iPhone.
A good example of this is that third-party applications will not necessarily need to have any direct access to the Action Button.
Users can simply create a Shortcut that will launch the said application. Some applications can also have particular Shortcuts for launching into any features.
Conclusion
Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro shall be available for pre-orders beginning September 15th along with an action button.
Availability of the iPhone in-store shall be from September 22nd.
