iPhone 15 Pro's Action Button just got a whole lot more powerful

Whether you want to quickly toggle Dark Mode, scan a code, or access your Wallet, the Action button has got you covered
An undated image of a person using an iPhone. — Unsplash
An undated image of a person using an iPhone. — Unsplash 

iOS 18 has brought up some most exciting updates during Apple’s WWDC 2024 event, one of the biggest updates came in to the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button, making it more powerful and customisable than ever. With the new Controls feature, you'll be able to access a range of functions with just a click. Whether you want to quickly toggle Dark Mode, scan a code, or access your Wallet, the Action button has got you covered.

Previously, you could set the button to set off the actions like Silent Mode, Camera, and Flashlight. But with the new Controls feature now, you can access a range of functions including

  • Calculator
  • Stopwatch
  • Alarm
  • Home
  • Wallet
  • Timer
  • Dark Mode
  • Scan Code
  • Personal Hotspot
  • Remote
  • Tap to Pay
  • Accessibility features like Magnifier and AssistiveTouch
  • Music controls for playback, volume, and more
  • Camera modes like Photo, Video, and Portrait
  • Flashlight with adjustable brightness
  • Notifications and alerts with customizable settings

How does it work?

To set up the new Controls feature, simply go to the Settings app and configure the Action button. You'll see a new option labelled "Controls" — select it and choose the function you want to trigger. You can also customise the long press and double press actions to access even more functions.

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The new Controls feature offers a range of benefits, including

  • Quick access to frequently used functions
  • Customisation options to suit your needs
  • Integration with third-party apps for added functionality
  • Easy access to Wallet and Apple Pay
  • Quick toggling of Dark Mode and other settings

Tips and Tricks

  • Use the Action button to quickly access your Wallet for Apple Pay
  • Customise the long press action to trigger your favourite music playlist
  • Use the double press action to quickly toggle Dark Mode
  • Access your camera modes with a single click
  • Use the flashlight with adjustable brightness for added convenience