All iPhone 16 Models to Get a Redesigned Action Button: Report GTW Tech

With the launch of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple replaced the classic Mute switch with a customizable Action Button. And now, several reports and shreds of evidence suggest that Apple is planning to add a redesigned Action Button to the entire lineup of the iPhone 16 series, which will make its debut in 2024. The Cupertino tech giant is reportedly working to add more functionality to its existing Action Button, and will also switch to a capacitive design rather than a mechanical one.

There were several rumors that Apple would switch to solid-state technology for power and volume buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models. However, Apple ditched those plans and introduced a new Action Button instead. This button replaced the mute switch which was previously a staple for all iPhone models. Unlike the mute switch, which could only be used to switch between Ringing and Silent models, the Action Button can be configured to perform a which range of tasks.

The Rumored Action Button on iPhone 16 Series

When we didn’t see solid-state technology on iPhone 15 Pro models, it appears the “mechanical” saga will continue on iPhones. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen numerous reports suggesting the switch from mechanical buttons to capacitive solid-state buttons is in the cards for the entire iPhone 16 lineup. This will allow Apple to add more functionality to the Action Button.

Macrumors reported that the revamped Action Button is under the codename “Altas”, and might feature the similar functionality seen on Home buttons with Touch ID on older iPhone models or Force Touch Trackpad on recent MacBooks.

The story also claims that the updated Action Button will be able to detect the changes in the pressure, all the credit goes to the new force sensor. Also, there are mentions of the “tact-switching functionality”, but at the moment, it’s unclear what this exactly means. It’s worth knowing that the iPhone 16 series is also rumored to include a new “Capacitive Button” with similar functionality.

The report also suggests that the upgraded Action Button will make its way to the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. Even the initial prototypes of the iPhone 16 design feature an Action Button. Also, Apple experimented with different sizes for its redesigned Action Button.

With certain configurations, the Action Button was quite larger and resembled more with volume buttons. Even with different hardware configurations across different development stages, the appearance of the Action Button remained a constant. If this happens, it would mark the end of Apple’s Mute Switch era. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro & 15 Pro Max have the Action Button, and the iPhone 15 & 15 Plus house the same mute switch.

Moving on, the Action button is also likely to make an appearance on the iPhone SE 4, reportedly planned for 2025. It clearly means Apple has plans to eliminate the dedicated mute switch from all its future iPhones.

While these reports and pre-production information say a lot about Apple’s plans, we still are months away from the final hardware designs. The giant might change its plans, and come up with something different, which may or may not be exciting. We’ll keep you updated as the cycle evolves. For complete details on what to expect from 2024 iPhones, head to our dedicated iPhone 16 series roundup.