But there could also be a method to Apple’s apparent meddling. An additional button on the side of the iPhone 15 Pro series could open the door to some software customization that could see it become a little more versatile.
If the mute function was simply toggled on or off in software instead, that button could morph into, for example, a very distinct camera shutter button, which is currently the role played by the ‘volume up’ button. Because the latter feels similar to its ‘volume down’ counterpart, it’s easy to press the wrong button when taking snaps.
Of course, this is all speculation right now, but if Apple is indeed changing a design feature that’s been present on the iPhone for 15 years, then it likely has a good functional reason for doing so, beyond the simple need for a design refresh.
There’s still lots of time for further leaks to emerge in the run-up to the iPhone 15 series’ expected launch in the first half of September, so expect to see more design hints – including the prospect of the iPhone 15 Pro Max having the thinnest bezels ever – in the coming months.