Merakyat.org – As the iPhone 15 Pro begins its journey to consumers, there’s an unmistakable feeling that something is amiss. This isn’t about the absence of a charger in the package. Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone 15 Pro Action button, exclusive to the pricier iPhone 15 variants, was undoubtedly a well-thought-out move. This button seamlessly integrates with the other buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max’s side rails. Its settings are intuitive, and the initial functions provided cover a range of genuinely useful scenarios. However, considering this feature has taken the place of the ring/mute switch—a staple since the inaugural iPhone in 2007—it feels like Apple could have aimed higher.
The pace of innovation for the iPhone has decelerated over the years. With Apple introducing fewer changes between phone generations and users holding onto their devices for extended periods, there’s a sense of stagnation. The Action button, however, brims with potential. There are at least five enhancements Apple could introduce, either in upcoming iPhone models like the anticipated iPhone 16 or in future iOS updates.
- Introduce Double-Tap and Triple-Tap Gestures: Mark Spoonauer, TG’s editor-in-chief, pointed out during the iPhone 15 series launch that Apple has restricted the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button by allowing only one command. This might have been a move to keep things simple for its debut, but without more interactive options beyond a basic press, the button’s potential remains untapped.
- Reassign Power Button’s Siri and Wallet Shortcuts: iPhone aficionados are accustomed to invoking Apple’s digital assistant or accessing their payment and loyalty cards via the side button. However, why limit user choice? If users prefer to call upon Siri or open the Wallet app using a dedicated button, Apple should make that possible.
- Provide a Straightforward Custom Action Option: While iOS Shortcuts is a potent tool, it’s not user-friendly for everyone. A dedicated interface allowing users to link a specific app or function with the Action button, beyond Apple’s default settings, would enable a broader user base to maximize the button’s utility.
- Simplify Access to Action Button Settings: Currently, to modify the Action button’s function, one must navigate to the Settings app. While this method is logical and should remain available, a quick-access shortcut to the Action button’s settings would be a welcome addition.
- Reconsider the Button’s Placement: Feedback from intrigued readers suggests that the Action button’s position, especially on the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max, might not be optimal. Its current location, replacing the old mute switch, might be traditional, but tradition shouldn’t dictate functionality. Relocating the Action button to a more accessible spot, either on its current left side or even to the right beneath the power button, would underscore its significance in iPhone operations and enhance its usability.
While the current limitations of the Action button don’t deter recommendations for the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, as more users get their hands on the iPhone 15 Pro post-launch, the wishlist for this new button is bound to expand.