As anticipation builds for the expected announcement of the iPhone 15 next month, the recent iOS 17 beta 7 release offers further clues regarding the rumored introduction of a new “Action Button” on the Pro models. This would replace the conventional mute switcher, and the latest beta update adds new haptic feedback patterns for enabling or disabling Silent Mode. These patterns are intended to provide a more prominent vibration when the user switches between modes, a useful feature if the Action Button becomes a reality.
Previously, there was no haptic feedback when placing the iPhone into Silent Mode. With a physical mute switcher, users could easily determine the phone’s mode. However, if it was replaced by a solid-state button, haptic feedback would be needed to indicate the phone’s status.
Code snippets discovered hint that the new button will offer several customizable options. Users might be able to assign various actions to a click, such as activating Siri Shortcuts, opening the Camera app, triggering Focus Mode, or recording Voice Memos.
Additionally, there may be a new button in the Control Center for Silent Mode on the new iPhones, and some speculate that Apple may add a Status Bar indicator for silent mode.
Alongside the rumored Action Button, the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to feature a titanium frame with slimmer edges, a more efficient A17 chip, USB-C instead of Lightning, and a periscope lens for better optical zoom in the Pro Max (or Ultra) model.
Although official confirmation awaits, the latest beta strengthens the evidence that the iPhone 15 Pro models will indeed introduce an Action Button.
The unveiling of these innovations is anticipated to take place at a special press event on September 12 or 13.