November 11, 2026, 10:37 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Apple introduced the action button on the iPhone only in 2023. In the next major device generation, the additional button could disappear again.
With the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple replaced the traditional mute switch with the action button in 2023. Since then, the button can be assigned various functions, such as activating silent mode, turning on the flashlight, or identifying a song. However, it seems Apple might soon remove the separate button from the iPhone.
This is suggested by a report from the tech blogger “Instant Digital” on the Chinese platform Weibo. According to the report, Apple plans the change for the second half of 2027. Which models will be affected remains unclear. “9to5Mac” speculates that the change could be introduced with the Pro models for the iPhone’s 20th anniversary. So far, there is no confirmation from Apple.
Two Additional Buttons Introduced in a Short Time
The action button is located on the left side of the device above the volume buttons. Additionally, in 2024, Apple introduced the camera control on the right side with the iPhone 16. It is designed to provide quick access to the camera and enable various settings directly via the button. Pressing it can open the camera and take a photo, while swipe gestures can control additional camera functions depending on the settings.
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With this, Apple has established two additional control elements on the casing in a short time. However, the position of the camera control can be unfamiliar depending on the grip. In landscape mode, it is relatively far toward the center of the device. To operate it, users may need to shift their index finger slightly, potentially covering parts of the display.
Camera Control to Replace the Action Button
If the action button does indeed disappear, its function is expected to remain. According to “Instant Digital,” Apple might combine both control elements. A short press on the camera control would still open the camera, while a longer press would execute a previously set action. The current action button would thus become redundant.
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In everyday use, however, the position of the quick access would also change. Instead of being at the top left, the freely assignable function would then be accessible at the bottom right. Users who currently locate the action button by feel would need to adjust. Whether Apple actually plans the redesign and which iPhone models would be affected will likely become clear with more information about the 2027 generation.