A new patent received by Apple shows that future iPhone, iPad and Mac devices may have multiple action buttons that can be customized by users. This innovation will make it possible to adjust the functions of the existing physical buttons on the left side of the devices according to user preferences.
Although this patent, identified by Patently Apple, has extensive content in terms of technical details, the added drawings make the changes Apple plans more understandable. In particular, it is stated that the action and volume control keys on the left side of the iPhone can be programmed with different functions according to the needs of the users.
This customization allows users to assign specific tasks to each key. For example, the volume down key can be set to call a favorite contact, while the volume up key can be used to launch a specific application. This approach aims to further enrich the user experience by expanding the personalization options offered by the existing action button.
It is also stated in the patent documents that haptic motors can be used to provide tactile feedback when the buttons are pressed. In this way, users will be able to experience a more intuitive interaction experience by receiving physical confirmation of the commands they give to the keys.
Apple can also use its new technology in devices other than iPhone
Interestingly, the patent application is not just limited to iPhones but also covers other Apple devices such as iPads and Macs. This means that in the future, these devices may also be equipped with similar customizable buttons. In particular, the touch surfaces and physical capacitive keys of MacBooks are also considered in this context.
Although it is known that many patents Apple received in the past did not turn into final products, the implementation of previous innovations such as the action button increases the possibility of such features being included in future devices. However, there is no official information yet about when and on which devices these technologies will be used.
These potential innovations could allow Apple users to use their devices in a more personalized way. In particular, thanks to the keys that can be assigned to different functions, users can manage their daily routines more efficiently. However, it seems that when these features will be integrated into real products and to what extent they will be offered will depend on the company’s strategies.