Apple May Streamline Side Controls by Merging Hardware Keys

Apple might soon simplify the edges of its flagship smartphones by combining two distinct inputs into one multifunctional key. According to a recent report surfacing from a tipster on Weibo, the tech giant is exploring ways to merge the current Action button and the newer Camera Control into a single piece of hardware. If these rumors hold true, users would see a reduction in total buttons without losing the specific shortcuts they have come to rely on over the last few generations.

Under this proposed setup, the specialized Action button would effectively vanish starting in late 2027. Instead, its capabilities would migrate over to the camera interface. A quick tap would likely continue to launch the camera app instantly, while a sustained long press would trigger whatever custom shortcut the user had assigned to their device settings. The leak emphasizes that while the separate Action button is slated for removal, the core functionality of both keys will remain intact within a unified control system.

It remains unclear which specific devices would receive this update, as the source did not specify if the change applies to every model in the autumn lineup or just the high end Pro series. This potential shift comes amid wider speculation that future Pro models are headed for a significant aesthetic overhaul, including tests for quad curved displays. Whether this streamlined button approach is part of a larger design language pivot or simply an effort to clean up the chassis remains to be seen as we move closer to those release windows.