8 cool uses for iPhone 15 Pro's Action button

This handy hardware addition can do all kinds of things.

Author

Lewis Wallace
September 30, 2023

The iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button is a remarkably simple yet very handy tool. It replaces the ring/silent switch we knew and loved with a customizable button that can turn on the iPhone’s flashlight, fire up the camera and more.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Since you can program the Action button to trigger a shortcut, the sky is basically the limit. The button can do almost anything you want it to.

This weekend’s new how-to showcases some cool things you can do with the iPhone 15 Pro’s secret weapon. It should get you started thinking about how you can make the most out of this surprisingly useful new button.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

How-tos

8 super-cool things you can do with the iPhone 15 Pro Action button

Apple lets you assign the Action button to one of eight things you wish — or, if you set it to Shortcuts, you can wish for more wishes. Here’s what power users are doing with the iPhone 15 Pro’s Action button.

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Simply log how you feel throughout the day, and your iPhone will help you identify what’s causing you trouble or what works for you.

News

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Plus, more software news:

Fingers point at Instagram app for overheating iPhone 15 Pro models

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Plus, more on iPhone 15 lineup:

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Plus, more Apple rumors:

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Deals

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Woot!'s big sale on Apple accessories won’t last forever.

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This versatile cable can juice up almost any Apple gear, and it’s on sale for just $19.99.

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Reviews and recommendations

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus: Pro features for less [Review]

The just-launched iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include the best features of last year's Pro models. We go hands-on with Apple's new standard models.

Apple Watch Series 9 is a surprising package of new features [Review] ★★★★☆

Apple Watch Series 9 is the biggest year-over-year leap in recent years. It has not one, not two, but a whopping four new features, most powered by its updated chip.

Kingston’s tiny new external SSD is quick and budget-friendly [Review] ★★★★½

The Kingston XS1000 External SSD is small but holds up to 2 terabytes of data. And it can transfer files at high speed, too.

Great ways to find the movies, songs, eSIMS and beers you need [Awesome Apps]

If you love movies, TV, music, beer or international travel, the apps in this week's Awesome Apps roundup will knock your socks off. If you happen to love

Plus, more Awesome Apps:

Classic Mac-style case gives iPhone 15 Pro military-grade protection

Safeguard your costly new iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max with Spigen's Classic C1 MagFit case, an homage to the iMac G3.

Portable new iPhone game controller is ready to play wherever you go [Review] ★★★★½

Clip the Turtle Beach Atom Controller on an iPhone to add the physical buttons and sticks that you want for high-end gaming.

Setups

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Could this be a top Apple-display alternative for gamers?

This Mac mini owner loves his new 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 series curved gaming display. Could it be a good choice for you?

Finding the 'perfect' dock or KVM switch

Looking to run different peripherals with both Mac and PC? A Mac mini user gets good advice on docks and KVM switches.