iPhone 16 marks the death of this iconic iPhone feature

Apple unveiled its next-generation AI iPhones at its “Its Glowtime” launch event on September 9, 2024. This year, the regular models received a fair share of upgrades, putting them on par with the expensive Pro models. The iPhone 16 comes with a host of impressive features like an upgraded 48MP Fusion camera, powerful A18 chipsets, an all-new camera control button, and more. It also features the programmable Action button that we first saw on the iPhone 15 Pro models. Along with the Action button across the iPhone lineup, Apple has done away with the classic Mute button on iPhones. While the Action button may look more modern, it’s not as convenient as the Mute button. Before you disagree, hear me out!

The iconic Mute button on iPhones

The Ring/Silent button has been on the iPhone since 2007, when the very first OG iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs. The Mute button has always remained the same, allowing you to switch between silent and ring mode. It was a classic element of iPhone design until we saw the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Honestly, the mute button was super useful and very convenient. You just had to push it down to put your iPhone on silent mode and move it up to activate ringer mode. Once that was done, you no longer had to check your iPhone to know if it was on silent or ringer mode. The position of the mute button was enough to tell you. If you’ve been using an iPhone long enough, I’m sure you’ve developed muscle memory for its position. Unfortunately, that convenience is now gone with the action button. You might completely forget that your iPhone is on silent.

The ring/silent button wasn’t revolutionary, but it was a necessity. It allowed you to quickly and easily put your iPhone on silent or vibrate so you wouldn’t interrupt an important team discussion. Plus, because the mute button was a physical button, it ensured that my iPhone wouldn’t start beeping unless I was playing music or watching videos. I knew when I’d put my iPhone on silent. No mistakes!

The action button replaces the mute switch

If Apple closed a door, it opens a window. The new programmable action button lets you perform a wide range of tasks. By default, the action button functions as a silent/ring switch. You have to press the button to switch between silent and ring options. You can also customize the action button to quickly access the camera, accessibility features, voice recorder, turn on/off the flashlight, and more. You can also make the action button more useful by assigning multiple functions to it.

While the Action button does offer some additional functionality, it kills the simplicity and convenience of the Mute button. It changes the way you can switch between ring and silent options. Honestly, I haven’t even seen people do as much with their Action button as Apple hoped. I don’t find it very useful because the Action button has a limited approach.

It’s bound to a single action and can only be triggered with a long press. Since the action button is coming to vanilla models this year, I expected Apple to make it more versatile, so it could respond to double-tap, long-press, etc. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. So when a new addition doesn’t do much, it’s not an upgrade. It’s more of a simple change, which I personally don’t like.

Compared to the Action button, I find the new camera control button quite useful as it offers several dedicated camera functions. Unlike the Action button, the camera control button responds to swipe and tap motions, making it much more versatile.

Coming back to the Mute Switch vs Action Button, I think there is no debate on this one. Some people may miss the simplicity of the Mute Switch, while others may appreciate the added functionality of the Action Button. I will certainly miss the convenience and reassurance that the Mute Switch provides. Plus, the “ticking” sound of the Mute Switch is quite satisfying.

Goodbye iPhone Mute Switch, we will miss you dearly!