Apple's 20th-Anniversary iPhone May Drop Dedicated Action Button

Integration of Action Button into Camera Control

Rumors indicate that the 20th-anniversary iPhone may remove the dedicated Action Button and merge its functionality into the Camera Control button. Reports from Gadgets360 and IndiaTVNews suggest that a single tap on the Camera Control button would launch the camera.

A long press on the same button would trigger the shortcuts currently assigned to the Action Button. According to HerZindagi, this design change would move features like Silent Mode, Flashlight, Focus, and Shortcuts to the Camera Control button.

Weibo tipster Momentary Digital claims the device will eliminate the dedicated Action Button. Gadgets360 and IndiaTVNews reported that the integrated button would perform these tasks via a long-press gesture.

Instant Digital reported that the merged functionality would use a single press to open the Camera app and a long press for Action Button features. This proposed design change would integrate all these controls into the single Camera Control button.

Design expectations for the anniversary model

The 20th-anniversary device is expected to arrive in September 2027 with a significant redesign. Reports from Gadgets360 and IndiaTVNews suggest a glass-centric construction, mirroring the overhaul Apple implemented for the iPhone X in 2017.

Herzindagi.com reports that the phone is rumored to feature a quad-curved OLED display, thinner bezels, and a glass-centric design. This model may also include upgraded cameras.

Advanced HDR camera technology using LOFIC may improve photo quality across various lighting conditions. The device potentially includes in-display Face ID, though Apple has not confirmed this feature.

Speculation also points to the use of solid-state buttons with haptic feedback to simulate a click without physical movement.

Evolution of Apple's physical button lineup

This button replaced the traditional Alert Slider to allow users to assign shortcuts and switch between Focus modes, flashlight, camera, or voice memos.

The Alert Slider was completely removed from the iPhone lineup with the release of the iPhone 16 series in 2024, as reported by Gadgets360. That same year, Apple introduced the Camera Control button alongside the iPhone 16 series.

The Camera Control button is a touch-sensitive physical interface. It allows users to launch the camera, switch modes, zoom, and access the Visual Intelligence interface by clicking and holding. A long press on this button specifically activates Visual Intelligence to identify objects through the camera lens.

Precedent set by the iPhone Duo

The iPhone Duo, part of the iPhone 16 series, already functions without an Action Button. This device, described as a book-style foldable, relies on a Touch ID sensor for security.

It retains the Camera Control button for photography tasks.

Official status under John Ternus

Apple, currently led by John Ternus, has not provided any official confirmation regarding the existence or features of the 20th-anniversary iPhone. The company has not officially revealed the name or pricing for the device.

No official announcements exist regarding the design or features of this rumored model.

Historical context of anniversary releases

The 2027 model is expected to be a premium release, similar to the iPhone X. The iPhone X marked the 10th anniversary of the device in 2017.

The 2027 release will mark two decades since Steve Jobs launched the original iPhone in 2007.