Latest iOS 17 beta teases iPhone 15 Pro’s new multi function ‘Action Button’

CALIFORNIA: Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 in the upcoming month, with rumours suggesting that the company might replace the mute switch on Pro models with a new “Action Button”.

The information regarding how this button works was partly revealed in an earlier iOS 17 beta, but the latest beta release offers more proof supporting the upcoming change.

According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 17 beta 7 includes new haptic feedback patterns that activates when users turn on or off Silent Mode, producing stronger vibrations during the switch between modes, which is especially useful for upcoming phones featuring the Action Button.

However, in the past versions of iOS versions, there was a quick haptic response when the iPhone’s entered Silent Mode, but there was no such feedback on its deactivation. While the improved haptic response for entering Silent Mode applies universally to all iPhone models, the corresponding feedback when returning to normal mode has not been utilised.

Read More: PTA tax on old iPhone models reduced

Meanwhile, 9to5Mac managed to replicate the new haptic pattern that occurs when deactivating Silent Mode, describing it as a single firm tap. If a solid-state button replaces the mute switch, which is used to determine the phone’s sound status, haptic feedback would help users know the operational mode when pressing the button.

According to MacRumors, the code snippets show that the new button replacing the mute switch will offer various actions that can be activated with a click. Users can choose to replace the action of turning Silent Mode on or off with Siri shortcuts, open the camera app, turn on the flashlight, start Focus mode, or begin recording a Voice Memo.

Conceivably, the new iPhones may feature an additional button in the Control Center dedicated to Silent Mode. Moreover, the inclusion of an indicator within the Status Bar to signal the phone’s muted state would hardly come as a surprise from Apple.