iPhone 15 Pro Action Button

June Wan/

The Action button could be coming to the entire iPhone 16 line, and could itself get a technical upgrade.

If you're anApple Watch Ultra oriPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max user, you're familiar with the Action button. On the Apple Watch Ultra, it was a new button that could be configured to do things like turn on the flashlight, and it came to the iPhone Pro and Pro Max as a replacement for the mute switch.

Also: This is the first app I installon every new Mac

According to a report byMacRumors, this button is not only getting an upgrade, but could become a feature onall iPhone 16 handsets.

Rolling this out to all iPhone 16 models -- versus keeping it a premium feature on the Pro and Pro Max handsets -- makes sense in terms of simplifying assembly and support. It means fewer components for Apple to source, assemble, and repair.

The mute switch has had its day, and if Apple can phase out that one component, it represents money saved on components and assembly. And if Apple can also make the button more reliable, that brings with it even more benefits -- which is precisely what the report says will happen.

According to the report, "Apple plans to add even more functionality to the Action button by changing the button from mechanical to a capacitive-type button."  

Also:I tested this Insta360 car camera mount on a Jaguar XJS, and the results were glorious

A capacitive-type button is like a touchscreen but without the screen bit. A touch-sensitive button is likely to be more robust than a mechanical switch or button, and more resistant to the ingress of dirt and moisture. I also will enable Apple to program the button to do more than a mechanical button could accomplish.

For example, a capacitive-type button of this nature could double as a volume control, much like the one built into theAirPods  -- which can respond to touch, movement and pressure -- thereby eliminating the need for the up and down volume buttons, further simplifying assembly, and eliminating yet more physical buttons.

Apple

Everything Apple announced at its October 'Scary Fast' event (and what wasn't unveiled)Unlock the best new features in iPhone 15, iOS 17, and Apple Watch with these tipsiPhone 15 Pro review: Coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier? This upgrade will wow youBuying an Apple Watch? Here's how to pick the best model for youWhy doesn't my iPhone's battery stay at 100% for as long as it used to?

• Everything Apple announced at its October 'Scary Fast' event (and what wasn't unveiled)
• Unlock the best new features in iPhone 15, iOS 17, and Apple Watch with these tips
• iPhone 15 Pro review: Coming from iPhone 12 Pro or earlier? This upgrade will wow you
• Buying an Apple Watch? Here's how to pick the best model for you
• Why doesn't my iPhone's battery stay at 100% for as long as it used to?