Tipster says Apple may remove iPhone Action button in 2027

A Weibo tipster says Apple may remove the dedicated Action button from iPhones arriving in the second half of 2027, shifting its customizable functions to the Camera Control button. The claim has not been confirmed by Apple, and the tipster did not identify which models would be affected.

Instant Digital’s reported proposal would leave Camera Control in place. A press would open the Camera app, while a long press would activate the shortcut assigned to the Action button, according to the account attributed to the tipster. The reported change would remove a separate physical button without eliminating its customizable function.

One account of the leak describes the change as applying to next year’s iPhone Pro models, while the reported Weibo post itself does not specify a lineup. Other accounts likewise describe new iPhones more generally. It is therefore unclear whether the alleged design would be limited to Pro models or extend to other devices.

Apple introduced the Action button with the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, replacing the Ring/Silent switch. Users can assign it tasks such as changing Silent mode, activating a Focus, turning on the flashlight or launching Shortcuts. Camera...