In a noteworthy departure from tradition, this year’s iPhone 15 launch event introduced a groundbreaking change to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max—the replacement of the iconic mute switch with the versatile Action button, capable of performing a range of additional tasks. However, there’s a catch: the Action button won’t unlock its full potential immediately, with one of its most anticipated features—translation—slated for release “later this year,” as disclosed by Apple. This development has left Apple enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the expanded capabilities of this innovative button.
Upon getting their hands on the iPhone 15 Pro, users will still find the Action button highly functional. At launch, it will enable users to open the camera app swiftly, initiate voice memo recordings, activate the iPhone’s flashlight, or enable accessibility features such as the magnifier. For those who cherish the classic iPhone experience, it retains the ability to seamlessly switch the device between ring and silent modes, a default function. Accessing any of these options is as simple as pressing and holding the Action button.
Yet, the feature that many were looking forward to—quick-access translation—will not be immediately accessible. On the iPhone 15 Pro page on Apple’s website, under the section introducing the Action button, the word ‘Translate’ is marked with an asterisk, and the fine print at the page’s bottom discreetly mentions, “Translate action is coming in an update later this year.”
