Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are likely to be introduced this evening at the “Wonderlust” event. According to Bloomberg, these two high-end models would adopt a new titanium finish, thinner edges and for the first time USB-C charging.
But there is one potential new feature that we are particularly excited about: an Action button. According to Bloomberg and MacRumors, the new Pro models will inherit the Action button from the Apple Watch Ultra, which could make it easier to quickly access controls like the flashlight, accessibility settings and voice notes. Like last year’s Dynamic Island notch, a secondary mini-screen for displaying information without leaving the home screen, the Action key could make multitasking easier on the iPhone.
This addition could also help further distinguish Apple’s high-end phones from its standard models and better justify their significantly higher price.
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MacRumors claims to have discovered code in the iOS 17 beta that hints at what we can expect from the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro. Potential uses could include running a shortcut, enabling silent mode, launching the camera, using the flashlight, enabling certain accessibility features or Focus mode . If so, the Action button could save a few swipes and taps to accomplish simple tasks.
Introducing the Action button to the iPhone 15 Pro would indicate a change in how the company positions its premium offering. For years, the iPhone Pro appealed to photography enthusiasts who wanted a larger screen and more internal storage. But when Apple introduced the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro, things started to change. This cameraphone offered more sophisticated multitasking functions. The Action button would be another step in this direction.
Further customization
Personalization is a major focus of the upcoming iOS 17 update, as evidenced by features like new Contact Tiles, custom stickers, and interactive widgets. The Action button would offer yet another way to personalize your iPhone.
If Bloomberg and MacRumors are correct, the Action button will be customizable at will.
It could also be used for the Touch ID biometric system, as on the iPad Air and the 10th generation iPad. This would give iPhone Pro users a more flexible option for authenticating payments and unlocking their iPhone. Remember that this is all speculation. There is no indication that Apple plans to add such features to the iPhone Pro. In all, there are only a few hours left to wait to get the end of the story.
