Latest iPhone 16 Pro prototype makes changes to earlier versions of the Action and Capture Buttons

Latest iPhone 16 Pro prototype makes changes to earlier versions of the Action and Capture Buttons،

Last year's iPhone 15 Pro models replaced the Ring/Silent switch with the Action button. With this button, users can choose one of the many features they can control. The functionality controlled by the action button can be changed at any time and the list includes:

Silent mode: Like the button that the action button replaces, you can turn silent mode on or off.
Focus: activates or deactivates a particular Focus.
Camera: Instantly opens the camera app to take a photo, record a video, take a selfie, portrait or portrait selfie.
Flashlight: Turns the flashlight on or off.
Voice Memo: Starts and stops recording a voice memo.
Magnifier: Opens the Magnifier application.
Translate-translates text from one language to another.
Shortcut: Opens an app or runs your favorite shortcut.
Accessibility: Opens an accessibility feature.
No action: No action is taken.

The action button is supposed to be present on all four iPhone 16 models later this year and on the first one. iPhone16 Professional prototypes suggested that the action button would be solid-state; instead of being a physical, mechanical button, it would respond to the user's touch. Apple is also reportedly playing around with the size of the new action button, with one version tested being as large as the volume buttons on the iPhone16 Pro.

The most recent button layout tested on a prototype iPhone 16 Pro. Image credit-MacRumors

But changes have taken place as Apple enters the “Proto2” design phase for the iPhone16 Pro. According to MacRumorsApple tested four button layouts, including a unified volume button with a small action button, a unified volume button with a large action button and a capture button, and separate volume buttons with a large button action and a capture button flush with the frame.

The fourth configuration and the one currently being tested on the iPhone16 The Pro prototype has separate volume buttons with a small action button (the same size as the action button on the iPhone 15 Pro), and a capture button flush with the frame.

The capture button should start video recordings by simply pressing the button and previous prototypes showed this button on the right side of all. iPhone16 models under the power button. Since US 5G iPhone models have the mmWave 5G antenna on this side of the phone, iPhone16 US models will need to move the 5G mmWave antenna to the left if this configuration is used. However, the latest render seen on MacRumors features the capture button on the left side, below the volume buttons.

The capture button will be capacitive, meaning it will respond to the user's finger touch and will not be mechanical.

Since we still have eight months before Apple unveils the iPhone16 line, the design of phone buttons is still evolving. If your favorite button layout isn't the last one to be tested, fear not. Changes can still be made.