Apple unveiled its next-gen AI iPhones at the ‘Its Glowtime’ launch event on September 9, 2024. This year, the vanilla models got a fair share of upgrades, which put them in line with the expensive Pro models. The iPhone 16 arrives with a boatload of impressive features like an improved 48MP Fusion Camera, capable A18 chipsets, a brand-new Camera Control button, and much more. Also, it features the programmable Action button which we first saw on the iPhone 15 Pro models. With the Action Button across the entire iPhone lineup, Apple has killed the classic Mute switch on iPhones. While the Action Button may look & feel more modern, it doesn’t feel as convenient as the Mute switch. Before you disagree, hear me out!
The Iconic Mute Switch on iPhones
The Ring/Mute switch has been on the iPhone dating all the way back to 2007 when the very first, OG iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs. The Mute switch has always remained the same, allowing you to toggle between silent and ringing. It has been a classic part of the iPhone’s design until we saw the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Honestly speaking, the mute switch was super-useful and damn convenient. You just have to push it down to put your iPhone on Silent Mode and move it up to enable Ringing mode. Once done, you never have to check your iPhone to know if it’s on mute or ringer. The position of the mute switch was enough to tell you. If you have been using an iPhone for quite a long time, I’m sure you would have developed muscle memory for its position. Sadly, that convenience is now gone with the Action Button. You might completely forget that your iPhone is in silent mode.
The ring/silent switch wasn’t anything revolutionary, but a necessity. It lets you quickly and easily put your iPhone on silent or vibrate so you don’t blow up an important team discussion. Also, since the Mute switch was a physical button, it guaranteed that it would not make my iPhone peep unless I was playing some music or watching videos. I know when I had silenced my iPhone. No mistakes!
The Action Button Replaces the Mute Switch
While Apple has closed a door, it’s opening a window. The new programmable Action Button lets you perform a wide range of tasks. By default, the Action Button works as a silent/ringer switch. You have to press the button to toggle between silent and ringer options. Also, you can customize the Action Button to quickly access the camera, accessibility features, voice recorder, turn flashlight on/off, and more. Also, you can make the Action Button more useful by assigning multiple functions.
While the Action button offers additional functionality, it kills the simplicity and convenience of the Mute switch. It changes the way you can toggle between ringer and silent options. Honestly, I haven’t even seen people doing as much with their Action Button as Apple expected. I don’t find it super useful because the Action Button has a limited approach.
It is tied to a single action and can be triggered only with a long press. As the Action Button arrives on the vanilla models this year, I was expecting Apple to make it more versatile, so it can respond to double taps, long presses, and more. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. So, when a new addition doesn’t bring much to the table, it’s not an upgrade. Rather, it’s only a change, which I personally don’t like.
Compared to the Action Button, I find the new Camera Control button pretty useful because it offers several dedicated camera functions. Unlike the Action Button, the Camera Control button responds to swipes and tap gestures, making it much more versatile.
Coming back to the Mute Switch vs Action Button, I think there’s no debate about it. Some people may miss the simplicity of the mute switch, whereas others might welcome the added functionality of the Action Button. I’ll surely miss the convenience and assurance the Mute Switch offers. Also, that ‘tick’ sound of the Mute Switch is utterly satisfying.
Goodbye iPhone Mute Switch, you’ll be dearly missed!
