It was previously rumored that Apple would switch from physical to virtual buttons with the introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro. But that also means the end of the famous mute button that has existed since the first iPhone. The button is also known as the Ring/Silent switch.
You don't have to dive deep into a menu to put an iPhone on mute. Instead, flip the switch to the side, and it will stop making a sound. It couldn't be easier. Yet Apple thinks otherwise because the iPhone 15 Pro will lack that button. And that's not the only thing, because no button is what it seems.
![Steve Jobs shows off the 1st generation iPhone during a keynote in 2007 showing the mute button Steve Jobs shows off the 1st generation iPhone during a keynote in 2007 showing the mute button](https://img.nieuwemobiel.nl/2023100-steve-jobs-1st-gen-iphone-keynote-mute-button-64352c8669bb1.jpg)
Apple is no stranger to leaving out things that have long been around. Starting with the home button, the headphone jack, a charger in the box, and, in some countries, even the SIM card slot. And beginning with the iPhone 15 Pro, you no longer get buttons to press. Instead, the side buttons will all be replaced with virtual buttons, just like the Force Touch trackpad, which simulates a physical button using a vibration motor.
Apple innovation
This potentially allows Apple to add much more functionality. For example, in theory, the button could recognize a swipe gesture or how hard you press. Specific functions could be assigned to that. Or what about simulating a camera's shutter button where pressing lightly means focus and pressing hard means shoot? All this could unleash a new wave of innovation. Who knows?
Anonymous source previously found to be reliable
All this information comes from an anonymous user on the forum of MacRumors. Normally that is not worth paying attention to. Still, this user previously predicted information that turned out to be true.