iPhone 16 128 GB
Apple may have been working on new customizable buttons for upcoming iPhones. According to a recently published patent, Apple is considering replacing the volume rockers with two customisable programmable buttons, resulting in three Action buttons on the left side. If this is true, the upcoming iPhones may offer more customization, allowing users to assign tasks to individual buttons.
According to a recently submitted patent through Patently Apple, Apple may expand the Action Button features, which are already present in iPhone 15 Pro models, and later, by adding more programmable buttons to its upcoming devices. The patent also suggests that this feature might be useful for iPads and Macs, though it is unlikely to be available on those devices anytime soon.
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For those who are unfamiliar, the Action button enables users to assign particular tasks or functions to the button. These activities can include using shortcuts, taking pictures, opening apps, and even placing phone calls. Conditional actions can also be incorporated into running shortcuts, giving the button more flexibility.
Users are currently unable to assign tasks to quick or double taps, and the Action button can only be activated by a long press. However, users might have more control over the functionality of their device if future iPhones add more Action buttons.
The patent also mentions customisable action buttons for iPads and Macs. However, there are no immediate signs of this occurring in the upcoming releases. It is also worth noting that many of Apple’s patents do not always come into use, and the implementation of multiple Action buttons is still a question for the future.