Apple May Drop the iPhone's Action Button, Starting With the iPhone 18 Pro

Apple may remove the Action button from future iPhones, starting with the iPhone 18 Pro models, according to a new rumor.

The Action button was introduced with the iPhone 16 series in 2024, alongside the Camera Control button, also known as the Capture button. Just two years later, one of the two may already be on its way out.

A recent post on Weibo by Instant Digital claims Apple might remove the Action button, starting with the iPhone 18 Pro models, and then the iPhone 18 in 2027.

The reason given is that users are not using the Action button much, and the functions it performs can be done through other means, such as the Control Center.

Camera Control stays — and may expand

The Camera Control button itself is safe, according to the rumor, and may even be expanded. Next year's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may get a new camera button on the left edge, possibly to help with taking photos in landscape orientation.

The foldable iPhone in 2027 is also said to be getting a button on the left edge, but it is unclear whether it will be a camera button or a Touch ID button.

As with all rumors, none of this is confirmed by Apple, and the company's plans can change well before launch.

Sources

• GSMArena — Future iPhones will have one less button, new rumor claims
• Weibo (in Chinese) — Instant Digital