Apple has introduced a new button on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, which has the ability to perform straightforward tasks, and we can even turn more complex actions into simple clicks on this button, using shortcuts. However, the action button in iOS 18 has gained more power. Let's see what's new.
iOS 18 is a major launch of new customization tools on your iPhone, allowing you to create a more personalized experience with your device than ever before.
There is one such improvement that was created specifically for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users. The action button gains new powers and goes beyond what we've already learned in these guides. Now there is more work!
Updated action button for iPhone 15 Pro
When the iPhone 15 Pro first launched and replaced the mute switch with an action button, this new button was user configurable from the start.
currently, iOS 17 users can configure the action button To activate one of the following types of actions:
- Mute mode
- concentration
- room
- Flashlight
- Sound Recorder
- Identify music
- Translate
- magnifying glass
- Regulations
- abbreviation
- Accessibility
The most versatile of these options is Shortcut Action, where you can set any Shortcuts app shortcut to launch when you click the button. Shortcuts can do a lot of things.
However, a user who doesn't explore the iPhone often never opens the Shortcuts app. So Apple created a new action button option that takes some of the power from the existing shortcut option but makes it more accessible.
Line up the new iOS 18 controls with the action button
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users running iOS 18 will see a new option when setting up Action button in the Settings app.
The new option is simply called Controls are as shown in the image above. This option includes the set of existing controls that They can be configured in the new Control Center.
Here are the controls currently available in the first iOS 18 beta:
- calculator
- stopwatch
- Warning
- house
- file
- Timer
- Dark mode
- Read the code
- Flight mode
- Mobile data
- Hotspot
- remote control
- Click to cash
- Find the clock
The list is expected to grow with the public release of iOS 18 in the fall, as third-party developers will be able to provide new controls that work in the Control Center, such as the lock screen buttons and the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro.
Most of these functions can be activated using the existing shortcut option. However, Apple should make it easier to configure for a wider range of users.
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