iPhone 15 Pro action button: functions and settings explained

The new iPhone 15 Pro and the new iPhone 15 Pro Max no longer have a silent switch on the left side of the housing. Apple has replaced this with an action button. This action button can the new Pro models of the Apple smartphone Although it continues to mute, it also performs other functions. In addition to predefined actions, individual settings can be made – for example using shortcuts. Everything is possible, from a simple individual task to a complex sequence of several processes. Here you will find further details on how to set and use the iPhone 15 Pro action button.

System-wide functions of the iPhone 15 Pro action button

At the launch of the new iPhones with iOS 17, Apple presented nine possible uses for the action button. It is quite possible that these will be expanded with later updates or new major versions of the operating system (iOS 18, iOS 19, etc.). So far these are the options:

• Mute iPhone, so it doesn't ring or play tones
• Activate focus modeto work undisturbed or to enjoy your free time
• Open camera appto quickly take a photo or video without display interaction
• Record voice memo, so that the idea is not lost when searching for the app
• Activate flashlight, so that you don't get blinded by the display in the dark
• Open Apple's Translate app, so that translations and dialogues can be realized more quickly
• Activate magnifying glassto use the camera to enlarge objects and see them better
• Execute shortcutin order to fulfill previously individually defined tasks
• Use operating assistance, which can also be set from a selection of individual options

App-based functions of the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro

Some of the features mentioned above aren't particularly "smart" on their own. Simply starting the voice memo recording or opening the camera app does not complete the entire task. And that's why the function of the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is expanded in the individual apps. In the voice memo app, pressing the button again ends the recording. She takes a photo in the camera app. And other functions are also executed or started and ended app-based by the action button.

Use the action button on the iPhone: Long press and short press

The default setting for the iPhone action button is that you have to press and hold it to perform the predetermined function. This is probably intended to prevent a short, accidental press from directly initiating a process, opening an app or recording audio. 

However, if an app is currently being used or a command is executed via the action button, the corresponding interaction takes place with a short, single press. So you don't have to hold down the button to stop the voice recording or take the photo.

Change the function of the iPhone action button in the iOS settings

To change the assignment of the action button on the iPhone, open the device's settings. There you scroll down until you find the “Action button” item. Tap this to open the settings of the new iPhone button. The design of this area stands out completely from the other areas of the iOS settings. Because there are animations and you don't just select from a list, you swipe back and forth between the possible key assignments. 

Detailed settings for individual action button features

Some functions may allow further customization. This is of course clear with regard to the shortcut to be selected or the selection of the operating aid to be used. However, additional usage details can also be specified for the camera, for example. 

In order to use the action button for individual quick access, the standard photo function (main camera), selfie (TrueDepth camera), video recording, portrait mode or portrait selfie can be assigned here. This means that the action button can directly call up the required mode and can be used to trigger/start the recording by briefly pressing it again.

Johannes Domke

[On vacation] After graduating from high school, Johannes completed training as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which led to his independence. He has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others, for several years now. His articles include product introductions, news, instructions, video games, consoles and much more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.