The action button on the new iPhone 15 Pro (Max) is much more practical than you think
Thanks to the Shortcuts application, you can select practically any function on the button
In the article, we will show you the best tricks to “get” the most out of the action button
One of the main design innovations of the iPhone 15 Pro (Max) is the removal of the hardware switch on the left side. Instead, there is a new action button that has a number of functions, such as a flashlight, starting the camera or immediately recording a voice memo. However, thanks to the integrated Shortcuts application, you can customize the button in many different ways. How to do it?
If you use an iPhone (or other Apple device), you’ve probably heard of the Shortcuts app. This allows you to configure certain automations in the system. This means that different actions can trigger a reaction at the user’s instigation – for example, you can set the app to launch on a special voice command and so on. We have already covered abbreviations several times at SMARTmania. But what are the best features you can come up with with the new action button?
Features by orientation
This handy action button shortcut comes from YouTuber Dan Vittorini. He found that the shortcuts set to the action button can be different depending on whether you hold the iPhone in landscape (and possibly left or right) or portrait. You can set practically any action accordingly.
By default, Vittorini offers a smart setting: when the iPhone is on the left side, pressing the button starts the camera, specifically video, when it is on the right side, the classic photo function starts. And when you’re holding your iPhone in portrait mode, a press will follow the old familiar silent mode toggle.
To make the shortcut available, just download the pre-made shortcut on this link and then just activate it in the Shortcuts app by clicking on it. Then go to Settings –> Action Button, select Shortcut and choose a new shortcut named “Orientation Action Mode” from the menu. The last requirement is that you have iOS 17.0.3 update installed.
Two apps per button
An equally interesting function for the action button is the ability to launch any application after pressing the button. How does it all work? You can set a simple shortcut to the button, just click on the “+” sign in the application, select “Open application” from the suggestions and select any of the installed applications.
The conditions are the same – you choose the shortcut in the action button settings and verify that it is running in the Shortcuts application itself. When you want to edit this particular shortcut, just tap on the three dots and enter another one instead of the default app.
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iPhone 15 Pro Max review: Apple has done it again…
Five functions on one button
The last way to use the action button that we will show you today is a special offer of several different functions. Activating this function is somewhat more complicated, as you have to configure it yourself. Go to the Shortcuts app and select the icon to create a new folder at the top right. You then open it and you can “pour” individual shortcuts of your choice into it.
The more advanced of you can “program” more complex shortcuts, or simply choose from presets, such as calling your favorite contact, creating a note, playing specific music or opening a specific website.
Author of the article
Jakub Fischer
Journalist, fan of modern technology, summer months and Asian food. I like Lynch movies, Pollock paintings, french house and Arsenal football club. In my spare time, I play PlayStation and go jogging.
2023-10-05 14:30:00
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