Apple is reportedly planning to remove the dedicated Action button from future iPhones and combine its functions with the Camera Control button starting in the second half of 2027.
According to a tipster on Weibo, Apple could introduce the change in next year's iPhone lineup, allowing a single button to handle both camera controls and customizable shortcuts.
Apple first introduced the Action button with the iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 18 Pro continues to feature it.
What the Rumour Means for iPhone Design
The Action button was added as a hardware shortcut that could be programmed for a range of tasks, from launching apps to toggling accessibility features. By merging it with the Camera Control button, Apple would retain the shortcut capability while reducing the total number of physical inputs on the device.
Under the rumored design, pressing the Camera Control button once would open the Camera app, while a long press would activate the shortcut assigned to the Action button. This dual-function approach mirrors how many Android manufacturers handle long-press actions on volume keys, but it would be the first time Apple consolidates two distinct iPhone buttons into one.
Why Apple Might Pursue the Change
Apple has a long history of simplifying hardware interfaces. The removal of the home button in 2017 and the later elimination of the mute switch in 2020 were both driven by a desire to make the device slimmer and to rely more on software gestures. Fewer buttons also mean fewer moving parts, which can improve durability and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Combining the Action and Camera Control buttons could free up internal space for other components, such as larger batteries or new sensor arrays. It also aligns with rumors that the 2027 Pro models may feature a quad-curved display, a redesign that could require rethinking button placement.
How the New Button Could Work
The tipster specifically claims that Apple plans to remove the Action button rather than the Camera Control button. In practice, a single button on the left side of the frame would retain the familiar tactile feel of the current Camera Control button. A short press would launch the Camera app, preserving the quick-access function that many users rely on for spontaneous photography.
A long press would trigger the shortcut previously assigned to the Action button. Users could still customize this shortcut in Settings, assigning it to tasks such as opening a favorite app, activating a specific Focus mode, or launching a third-party automation.
Because the hardware would remain the same, the software change could be implemented through iOS updates, allowing Apple to roll out the feature to existing devices if it chooses to support legacy hardware.
Which iPhones Will Get the Change?
The tipster did not identify any specific models, leaving it unclear whether Apple will introduce the change across its entire fall 2027 lineup or limit it to selected devices. The iPhone 18 Pro, which currently carries the Action button, would be the most likely candidate for the first combined button, given its proximity to the rumored redesign cycle.
Previous rumors have also suggested that Apple's 2027 Pro models could receive a larger redesign, with the company reportedly testing quad-curved displays in prototypes. If those prototypes move to production, the new button could be part of a broader redesign that includes thinner bezels and a different internal layout.
However, it remains unclear whether the rumored button changes are part of that redesign. Apple has not confirmed the reported changes, and the company typically does not comment on unannounced product details.
Impact on Users and Developers
For everyday users, the change could simplify the learning curve for new iPhone owners. With only one side button to remember, the risk of pressing the wrong button during a photo shoot or while using a shortcut would be reduced.
Developers who rely on the Action button for custom shortcuts would need to adapt their code to recognize the long-press gesture on the Camera Control button. Apple's developer documentation would likely be updated well before the hardware launch, giving developers time to test and submit updates.
Accessibility users who depend on the tactile feedback of the Action button may need to adjust to the new long-press behavior. Apple's accessibility team would be expected to provide guidance and possibly alternative gesture options to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
What Comes Next?
Apple typically announces new iPhone hardware in September, with the devices becoming available a few weeks later. If the tipster's information is accurate, the combined button could be unveiled in the fall 2027 event and start shipping in the second half of that year.
Consumers should watch for official statements from Apple, product renderings from reputable supply-chain sources, and updates to iOS that mention changes to button functionality. Analysts will likely monitor component orders from suppliers such as Foxconn and TSMC for clues about hardware revisions.
Until Apple confirms the plan, the rumor remains unverified. Readers interested in the development should follow Apple's newsroom and reputable tech news outlets for the latest information.
