iPhone 2027: Apple to drop the Action Button in upcoming smartphone models

Apple is reportedly planning significant design adjustments for its future smartphone lineups. According to Chinese insider Instant Digital on Weibo, the tech giant intends to remove the standalone Action Button on new iPhone models slated for release in the second half of 2027.

• Insider Instant Digital reports that Apple will drop the Action Button in iPhones arriving in 2027.
• The functions of two physical control elements are planned to be merged into one.
• A single press on Camera Control will open the camera app, while a long press will execute custom Action Button tasks.

Background on Apple Control Buttons

The Action Button first debuted on Apple smartphones in 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. It replaced the traditional mute switch that had been a staple of iPhones since the very first model launched in 2007. Unlike its predecessor, the new button introduced customization options, allowing users to assign functions such as silent mode, flashlight, voice memos, and shortcuts. Apple later expanded this button to other models, including the iPhone 16, 17, and 18 series.

Meanwhile, the standalone Camera Control button debuted a year later with the iPhone 16 family. It was specifically designed to launch the camera app, capture photos, and manage image parameters seamlessly. Now, supply chain hints suggest Apple wants to consolidate these controls.

What the Change Means

If the leak proves accurate, the functions of both physical controls will be combined into the Camera Control interface. Users will no longer need separate dedicated housing spots for different tasks. A single press on the Camera Control button will launch the camera app, while a long press will handle the custom action previously assigned to the Action Button.

It is worth noting that Apple has already tested a similar approach in its hardware pipeline. The foldable iPhone Duo, introduced in 2026, omitted the Action Button while retaining Camera Control. If this latest rumor is confirmed, a similar design choice will likely transition to mainstream flagship models. Apple has not yet commented on these potential design shifts.