Apple plans to eliminate the dedicated Action Button on new iPhone models starting in the second half of 2027, merging its functions into the Camera Control button, according to Chinese leaker Instant Digital.
In a Weibo post, the leaker stated that a single press of the remaining Camera Control would open the Camera app, while a long press would trigger the customizable action previously assigned to the Action Button. These actions include toggling Silent mode, activating a Focus, turning on the flashlight, launching Shortcuts, or other user-defined functions. The dedicated Action Button would be removed entirely.
The change is expected to debut with models released in the second half of 2027, aligning with Apple’s rumored 20th-anniversary iPhone lineup. Naming remains uncertain, with possibilities including iPhone 19 Pro or iPhone 20 Pro designations under the company’s current split-release schedule.
Apple introduced the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 as a replacement for the longstanding Ring/Silent switch. It has appeared on subsequent models, offering a physical shortcut for frequent tasks. Camera Control, added with the iPhone 16 series, already opens the camera with a press and has supported additional gestures. Combining the two would preserve familiar interactions while reducing the number of physical buttons on the device.
The iPhone Duo, released earlier in 2026, already omits a dedicated Action Button while retaining Camera Control, providing a recent precedent. Reports note that a long press on Camera Control previously tied into Visual Intelligence, though related features have since been integrated into the Camera app in iOS 27, potentially freeing the gesture for reassignment.
Possible motivations include simpler manufacturing, lower costs, reduced risk of confusing the Action Button with nearby volume controls, and a cleaner design for rumored wraparound or quad-curved displays on the 2027 Pro models. Apple has not commented on the claim.
Reaction among users has been mixed. Some prefer keeping the Action Button and dropping Camera Control, citing accidental presses and limited everyday use of the camera button. Others view the consolidation as logical, noting the Action Button’s location often requires two-handed use. The rumor remains unconfirmed, and past claims from the same leaker have varied in accuracy.
MacDailyNews Take: Whatever. What we’d really love to see is the Side button removed and returned to the top of the iPhone, not directly across from the Volume buttons, where they both pretty consistently interfere with each other (it’s just bad design). But, we’re not holding our breath.
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Obviously it will be iPhone XX and not iPhone20 keeping with the 10th anniversary iPhone name
Never used it…except when learning it was a “feature.”
Agree…side button has always been an ergonomic kluge…as an equal/oppositional force is needed on the “other” side and interference is more likely than not.
I’ve had a 15 Pro Max for two years, besides testing it once I’ve never used the action button, not even accidentally. As an avid photographer I’d like to think i’ll use my Duo’s camera control when it arrives but habit and muscle memory are hard to overcome.