This is all you can do with the action button on the iPhone 15 Amazing things
With the arrival of the iPhone 15 Pro, one of the features that has caught the eye is the new action button, which is a replacement for the traditional mute switch that was present in previous models. This new button provides a set of very important functions.
By default, the Action button acts as a toggle between Ring and Silent modes. When pressed, your iPhone vibrates slightly to confirm that the action has been recorded. This is complemented by a visual animation in the device’s Dynamic Island.
What makes the action button stand out are the eight additional options it offers to customize its operation. From focus modes to accessibility, users have a range of options to choose from. However, customization is not limited to this predefined selection.
- Focus mode
Focus Mode allows users to adjust notifications and apps based on their current activity. By assigning this function to the action button, you can quickly activate or deactivate a specific focus profile, such as “Work” or “Rest.”
Example of use: If you are in a meeting, with a simple touch you can activate Focus Mode which silences all notifications except those from your team.
- Camera
This option opens the camera app directly, allowing quick access to capture moments instantly.
Example of use: If you are walking and suddenly see a landscape worth photographing, tapping the action button can instantly open the camera.
- Flashlight
Selecting this feature turns the action button on or off, which is useful in low-light situations.
Example of use: If you are in a dark parking lot, with one touch of the button you can turn on the flashlight to find your keys.
- Record a voice memo
This option opens the Voice Memos app, allowing you to record voice notes instantly.
Example of use: During a conference or meeting, you can quickly open the app to record an important part without having to navigate through the phone menu.
- translator
This function launches the translation app, which is useful for multilingual conversations.
Usage example: If you are traveling to a country where you do not speak the local language, clicking the action button gives you quick access to the translator.
- Magnifier
The Magnifier option uses the camera to enlarge objects or text, making it easier to read or examine in detail.
Example of use: If you are reading the small print on a contract or restaurant menu, pressing the button can activate the magnifying glass feature to enlarge the text.
- Abbreviation
This option allows access to Siri Shortcuts, which are automated tasks that the user can create or download.
Example of use: You could have a shortcut to send a predefined text message to your family that you have arrived home safely. Tapping the action button could activate this shortcut.
- Accessibility
This feature provides quick access to accessibility features, such as VoiceOver or Zoom, that make the device easier to use for people with disabilities.
Example of use: If you have vision problems, touch may activate VoiceOver, which reads the content on the screen aloud.
Each of these features adds an extra layer of versatility to the action button, although, as we've seen, there's still room for improvement and expansion of its functionality.