The full iOS 17 rollout won’t occur until September this year. However, Apple has made the iOS 17 betas available for developers since WWDC last month. Each beta reveals an interesting tidbit or two about the upcoming iPhone software, but the fourth beta, which was recently released, takes it a step further.
Hidden beneath the iOS 17 code is a reference to the often-rumoured Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models. MacRumors points out that this new key on the upcoming premium iPhone flagships could possibly be similar to the one offered on the Apple Watch Ultra.
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Nine different customisable options for the new Action button
In addition to referencing the new Pro/Pro Max-exclusive Action button, iOS 17 Beta 4 code also indicates that it could provide up to nine customisable “actions,” offering a larger volume of options than the Apple Watch Ultra.
Among the options users could use is Silent Mode, which would be an often-used option given that this new action key is set to replace the iconic mute switch on the iPhone models this year. However, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are likely to retain the familiar arrangement.
Additionally, the beta code reveals that users could potentially open the Camera app and use the button to take pictures or videos. Some other common services accessible through this new hardware key would be Voice Memos, Flashlight, Translate, Focus, and Magnifier.
iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max render comparison by 9to5Mac
There will also be a Shortcuts option that can be initiated via the Action button. This could let users quickly access one of their preset shortcuts, such as turning off a connected smart camera or opening their favourite playlist on Apple Music.
Rounding out the list of nine customisable options would be Accessibility, offering the full suite of Apple’s accessibility options with a single click, including AssistiveTouch, VoiceOver, Zoom, etc.
While Apple is generally pretty secretive about hardware features on its upcoming devices, this latest iOS 17 beta has let the cat out of the bag. Only time will tell whether this is intentional or not. Perhaps the company plans to make the Action button even more customisable by offering support for third-party apps sometime in the future.
Via: MacRumors