Revolutionary Multi-Button Potential Unlocks iPhone’s Future
ML Implies a Future with Multiple Action Buttons on iPhones
TL;DR
- Apple may introduce more Action buttons on future iPhones
- The patent also suggests expanding these buttons to iPads and Macs
- However, many Apple patents never materialize, so it’s unclear if the project will reach consumers
Apple has been exploring the concept of Action buttons on its devices, starting with the Apple Watch Ultra and later extending it to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Now, a new patent suggests that the company is considering adding more Action buttons to future iPhones.
According to a recently published patent, Apple may equip future iPhones with multiple Action buttons, potentially replacing the volume rockers with two customizable buttons. This could result in three Action buttons on the left side of the device. The patent also hints at expanding these buttons to iPads and Macs, but this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
For those unfamiliar, the Action button on newer iPhones allows users to assign a custom task, such as opening an app, activating a Focus mode, taking a photo, or running complex shortcuts. With the Shortcuts app’s help, users can add if statements to the Action button, which would modify its functionality based on the specified conditions. Although, for now, activating the Action button is limited to a long press, and users can’t assign tasks to a quick or double click.
With Apple embracing physical buttons on the iPhone 16 with the introduction of Camera Control, it’s plausible for the company to bring more Action buttons to future iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, it’s essential to note that many Apple patents never come to fruition.
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