Apple introduced the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models, which remains present on the current iPhone 18 Pro. However, according to the latest reports, the company plans to combine the action button and camera control into a single physical element on future devices.
This change applies to phones expected to launch in the second half of next year, with the new button featuring a dual function. A single press will open the camera app, while a long press activates the shortcut previously assigned to the action button. In this way, only the action button disappears from the chassis, while the dedicated camera button remains in its position but with expanded capabilities.
Alongside this news, next year's Pro models could undergo a more significant redesign. Prototypes with screens curved on all four sides are being tested, which would represent a major shift in device design. Additionally, the iPhone 18 could be the last Apple phone with a dedicated action button, marking the end of an era in iPhone design and functionality.
These changes indicate Apple's desire to simplify and enhance the user interface by merging functions into a single element and modernising the look of its devices, potentially offering users a more intuitive and practical experience.
