Abstract:
Apple may be re-adjusting the design of the physical buttons on the side of the iPhone body. According to the latest news, Apple plans to cancel the current independent Action Button and integrate its functions into the Camera Control button starting with the new iPhone launched in the second half of 2027.
This news comes from Shasha Digital, a well-known whistleblower on Weibo. He revealed that Apple is considering merging two physical buttons that originally had different functions into one, and implementing corresponding operations through different pressing methods.
According to the leaked description, the integrated buttons will retain the location of the camera control keys, but at the same time assume the functions of the original operation buttons. Users can launch the camera with a single click of the button, while a long press can trigger a custom function previously assigned to the action button.
This means that users can still quickly turn on silent mode, focus mode, flashlight, shortcut commands and other functions through physical buttons, but the operation entrance will be transferred from the original independent button to the camera control key.
From the perspective of interaction logic, this design is not completely without basis. The current iPhone operation button itself requires a long press to trigger the preset function, while the camera control key can quickly launch the camera with a single click. Integrating the two operating methods on the same button can theoretically retain the original functions while reducing the number of physical buttons on the side of the fuselage.
Apple will introduce operation buttons for the first time on the iPhone 15 Pro series in 2023, using them to replace the silent paddles that have been used for many years. Unlike the traditional mute switch, the operation button can be assigned functions by the user. In addition to switching the mute state, it can also activate the camera, flashlight, voice memo, translation and various shortcut commands.
A year later, Apple launched camera control keys on the iPhone 16 series. This is a physical button that integrates touch and pressure sensing capabilities. Users can adjust camera parameters by tapping, sliding, etc., or start the camera directly.
However, there has been some controversy since the launch of the camera control keys. Some users think that its operation logic is relatively complicated, the actual frequency of use is not high, and the button position is easy to be accidentally touched when holding the phone. In contrast, the functions of the operation buttons are more intuitive and easier to integrate into daily usage habits.
If Apple really merges the two, it may also hope to give the camera control button more practical value to avoid it becoming just a dedicated button with relatively limited usage scenarios.
It is worth noting that Apple has previously been revealed to be considering simplifying the internal structure of the camera control keys. Related rumors say that the company may cancel the original capacitive sensing layer and use pressure sensing technology to implement main operating functions to reduce manufacturing costs while retaining the core user experience.
However, this simplified design has not been implemented on the iPhone 18 series before. The rumors of merging the operation buttons with the camera control keys may mean that Apple is still exploring a larger redesign of this physical button, but it is not yet confirmed whether the two adjustments belong to the same set of design plans.
Another detail worthy of attention is that Apple’s first foldable screen phone, iPhone Duo, no longer has independent operation buttons, but still retains camera control keys. This also provides a precedent for the elimination of independent operation buttons in the future.
According to sources who broke the news, this change is expected to be implemented from the new iPhone released in the second half of 2027, which may coincide with the release cycle of Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone model. It is still unclear whether the new phone will be named iPhone 19 Pro, iPhone 20 Pro, or another name.
Of course, this news is still unofficial information provided by the supply chain and whistleblowers, and Apple has not yet confirmed it.
Judging from product design trends, Apple seems to be re-examining the number and function allocation of physical buttons on the iPhone. Although the operation buttons provide a high degree of freedom of customization, setting a separate button also takes up space on the body; the camera control keys have a more complex sensing structure, and if they can undertake more system-level operations, their actual utilization may be improved.
However, the merger will also bring about a problem: users need to remember the functions corresponding to different pressing methods. Whether there will be an accidental touch between long pressing to start custom operations and clicking to start the camera still needs Apple to solve it through software and hardware design.
If this adjustment is finally implemented, the history of the operation button as an independent physical button on the iPhone may only be four years. Rather than simply canceling the custom shortcut function, Apple is trying to integrate it into a more versatile physical control key.
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