What is the Action Button and how does it work, the controversial replacement for the mute switch

Apple has unveiled its iPhone 15 series, which brings some notable changes to the user experience, including the new Action Button. This change particularly affects the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, as this feature is exclusive to them.

The highlight of this change is the removal of the iconic mute switch that has been present on iPhones since they were first introduced in 2007, as Phone Arena reminds.

This change has become a special part of the iPhone user experience over the years. Its presence made it quick and easy to switch between silent mode and sound mode.

Instead of the mute switch, the iPhone 15 Pro introduces the Action Button, a feature already found on the Apple Watch Ultra. This button is programmable and allows users to customize the operation to suit their needs.

How does it work

The default function of the action button is to mute the phone, which replaces the function of the mute switch. However, its adaptability makes it a versatile tool. Users can set the button to open specific apps, view their favorite contacts, start timers, play music, create notes, and more. It is also possible to create custom shortcuts to perform specific actions.

When the action button is pressed, the phone provides haptic feedback and the dynamic island displays a visual cue about the configured action.

Although removing the mute switch may seem like a drastic change, the action button offers significant potential in terms of versatility and customization. This development seems logical and promises to enrich the user experience with the iPhone. Adaptation to this new system will be an aspect to be taken into account in future updates and versions of the device.