Several million people bought them. I wonder how many iMacs are sold. (Macs overall sell something like 25 millions per year.)
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iPhone 16 Could Feature Extra Button, Relocated mmWave Antenna and Haptic Action Button
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I don't mind another button, it's the implementation of the current action button that sucks. Instead of 1 either/or function, let the user or devs utilize a panel that can have several "quick-launch" applications or shortcuts. Blackberry had action buttons (convenience key) and let you program it by single, double, triple or long press. These 4 inputs could then trigger individual actions, or a panel that would open multiple options. You could also pair the action button with wifi or bluetooth to activate a separate set of actions when connected to certain wifi or bluetooth devices. I could image Apple creating amazing use-cases for this with wifi, bt, and gps.
I understand if an individual is clever enough they can create a shortcut that would open a folder with shortcuts and apps in it, but it's not "baked in" at an OS level and it's out of reach to do for the general user base.
I understand if an individual is clever enough they can create a shortcut that would open a folder with shortcuts and apps in it, but it's not "baked in" at an OS level and it's out of reach to do for the general user base.
……what? Wasn’t the whole point of the action button replacing the mute switch was so that it was mappable? As in… you could make the button activate the camera, as one function. So, why do we need a redundant button dedicated solely for the camera? There’s even plenty of software shortcuts we’ve had for years now (control center and Notification Center). To me this just reeks of “change for the sake of change.”
I liked the old mute button. I also like the new one. No difference in use as I am concerned. It can be used in the dark and the old button you also had to know if up or down is mute, and use the visual and haptic feedback to make sure, same as the new one. It's not a downgrade.
What I really want to do though is toggle airplane mode using the action button.
I want to turn off all radios any time I am on the move, on the scooter or on foot, most of the time.
I hope it comes with a stylus, everyone loves a stylus. You got to get them out, put them away, you lose them...yuck.
Ha nice call. I forgot about that one. I'm thinking now that Jony Ive is gone there's going to be buttons everywhere!
This button sounds useful though. Many times I find myself wishing for a camera button on the side the power button is.
Clearly not enough to make it worth Apple's time. Especially when you consider 99% of people will still buy some sort of iPhone anyway.
Case would need to be redesigned regardless. If the material can transfer capacitance, aka finger touch on case is the same as touching button directly, it would be good.
iPhone with a physical keyboard anyone? Not external one plugged into USB-C, a literal physical keyboard.
iPhone ergonomics, intuitiveness, and simplicity died when the volume buttons and the power button were placed directly across from each other. Really?! REALLY?!?!!! And this goes on for years and years?
Apple is packed full of entrenched management midwit idiots, and obviously there is no way to get ANYTHING through them without years and years of endless meetings, meetings, and more meetings.
Can you imagine if a Chinese company took over Apple? Every middle manager would be immediately fired, along with most if not all of the top brass, and that power button would be moved to a different spot the same day.
I feel like this is one of those rumors where the full picture isn’t going to be clear until release or maybe just before. (Kinda like the Dynamic Island)
It seems kinda stupid so far (extra buttons, a flat action button), but I’m just going to wait and see how this rumor pans out.
It seems kinda stupid so far (extra buttons, a flat action button), but I’m just going to wait and see how this rumor pans out.
Yeah that’s what people say every year about the next possible upgrade version. Yeah but those mystery pictures are always kind of funky too and Analyze
The Action Button is in a very awkward spot to actually try to use it as a shutter button as your hand will usually block the cameras if you try to use it like that, plus I'd expect that the point of making it a haptic button is to enable something like a two stage shutter button.
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"...and use the visual and haptic feedback to make sure..."
Yeah, that's the problem. With the switch, you don't need a visual confirmation, you can feel where all the buttons are, and know which way you switching the switch.
If, what you are saying, is that the haptic feedback is different for muting, and unmuting, and thus you don't need visual confirmation, then I take it back, and stand corrected. I'm curious, is that the case?
Regarding the other advantages of the Action Button, i.e. being able to assign it to alternate tasks, that is exactly why I was advocating for having both the Action Button, and the Mute Switch. Or even better, both of them, but make the Mute Switch an Action Switch instead, so that you can assign it to other tasks.
Oh aapple gets on my damn nerves daily lol. But i look at the alternatives and like my boyfriend, i am like ehhh...i could have it worse. HAHA
It's different, I guess Apple must have kept your use case in mind.
Unmute: Single short vibration
Mute: 3 or 4 super short vibrations.
Very clearly distinguishable. I just tested it.
This attention to detail actually makes me think, not all hope is lost for Apple. There's still people in the company that embody the spirit of Steve Jobs. Almost nostalgic.
Great, thanks for that.
Yeah, Apple often does have excellent attention to detail, but not always. E.g. shifting the on/off button from the top to the side has been really annoying. How many damn times I've gone to take a photo by using the volume up button to click the shutter, but accidentally turned the phone off instead, sheesh.
Yep, I hope Apple adds the ability to have additional functions through double press or even long press vs short press. As it stands, I’m still using the Action button as a mute on/off since that is the function I use most.
Reading all these threads, I have to ask this question. Why, Mr. Apple, should I spend more money every year for minute changes to the iPhone? I love the iPhone but mine works just fine. Apple is the largest company in the history of the world, but if you listen to the financial experts, Microsoft will very soon overtake them.The iPhone itself was one of the most profound technological developments. I have no idea what that next mind-blowing gadget will be, but these minuscule changes to the iPhone surely won't be the money generating product that got Apple to where it is today.