iPhone 16 – which is expected to debut in the second half of 2024 as the successor to the iPhone 15 series of smartphones – could be equipped with Apple's new Action Button. While the company equipped the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with the new button designed to replace the mute switch, a new report states that the company plans to equip all four models in the lineup with the customizable button, which is expected to appear in a redesigned form.
MacRumors reports that Apple will include the Action Button on all iPhone 16 models likely to be released next year. Unlike the iPhone 15 series, the non-Pro iPhone 16 models are also expected to feature the new action button. It's also suggested that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus may be the last iPhone models to debut with the mute switch; even the iPhone SE 4 is expected to debut with the new button in 2025.
Meanwhile, the report states that the Action Button on the iPhone 16 series will be updated next year. Instead of using the regular mechanical button like the volume and power keys, the new Action Button will offer capacitive button functionality like the iPhone SE (2022) home button. It is unclear whether all models in the series will be equipped with the redesigned button – codenamed Atlas.
When Apple unveiled the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max this year, the company touted the new action button functionality, which expands the use of the button used to switch between vibrate and ring modes on the iPhone.
The action button lets you switch between calling modes or accessibility features, launch the camera app or magnifier app, start or stop a voice memo or the flashlight, and turn focus modes on and off on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The move to a capacitive button means it may be able to detect different pressure levels. However, enthusiasts will have to wait a few more months before Apple unveils the alleged iPhone 16 series of smartphones in 2024.