iPhone 2027 Update: Apple May Remove Action Button and Introduce Major Design Changes for 20th Anniversary
- byManasavi
- 12 Nov, 2026
Apple iPhone 2027 Rumours: Apple could be preparing one of the biggest design changes in iPhone history as the company approaches the smartphone's 20th anniversary in 2027. According to emerging leaks and industry speculation, the technology giant may introduce a redesigned iPhone featuring a more extensive glass-based exterior and significant changes to its physical buttons.
One of the most interesting rumours suggests that Apple could remove the dedicated Action Button from its anniversary iPhone and combine its functions with the existing Camera Control button.
Such a change could simplify the phone's physical controls while allowing users to access several features through a single multifunctional button.
However, Apple has not officially confirmed these reported plans. The information currently circulating should therefore be treated as speculation rather than final product specifications.
Here is everything currently suggested about the possible iPhone redesign, the future of the Action Button and the changes users might see in 2027.
Apple Could Introduce a Major iPhone Redesign in 2027
The year 2027 will mark two decades since Apple introduced the original iPhone in 2007.
The first-generation iPhone transformed the smartphone market by combining a touchscreen interface, mobile communication and internet functionality in a single device.
Over the years, Apple has introduced several major design changes, including larger displays, Face ID, new camera systems and different button arrangements.
Now, reports suggest that the company could use the 20th anniversary as an opportunity to introduce another significant design update.
One possibility being discussed is a glass-focused design that could give the device a more seamless appearance.
However, details about the materials, manufacturing process and final appearance remain uncertain.
Will Apple Remove the Action Button From the 2027 iPhone?
One of the most notable claims surrounding the anniversary iPhone concerns the future of the Action Button.
According to the source report, Apple may consider removing the separate Action Button and integrating some of its capabilities into the Camera Control button.
If implemented, the change could reduce the number of dedicated physical controls on the device.
Importantly, removing a separate button would not necessarily mean eliminating the features currently associated with it.
Instead, Apple could potentially allow users to access those functions through another control or a redesigned interface.
The proposed arrangement has not been officially announced, and there is no confirmed information about how such a system would operate.
What Is the iPhone Action Button?
Apple introduced the Action Button in September 2023 with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
It replaced the traditional Ring/Silent switch that had been a familiar feature of earlier iPhone models.
Unlike the older switch, which primarily allowed users to change between ringing and silent modes, the Action Button introduced greater customisation.
Depending on the device and software configuration, users can assign different functions to the button.
These may include activating silent mode, opening the camera, switching on the flashlight, starting a voice recording or launching a shortcut.
The feature initially appeared on Apple's premium Pro models.
In 2024, the company expanded Action Button availability across the iPhone 16 lineup.
Its introduction represented an important shift towards more flexible physical controls.
Camera Control Button: Another Major iPhone Innovation
Apple introduced Camera Control with the iPhone 16 series in 2024.
The control was designed to make photography and camera-related functions more accessible without requiring users to navigate multiple on-screen menus.
It combines physical interaction with touch-sensitive functionality.
Depending on the model, software version and selected settings, Camera Control can support several operations.
These include:
- Opening the Camera application quickly.
- Capturing photographs.
- Starting video recording through supported interactions.
- Adjusting camera settings such as zoom.
- Navigating supported photographic controls.
- Accessing Visual Intelligence features on compatible devices.
The button was intended to provide a more direct way to interact with the camera.
Its combination of touch and pressure-based input has also prompted speculation about whether Apple could expand its role in future devices.
Could One Button Handle Both Camera and Action Features?
The latest rumours suggest that Apple might develop a more versatile button system for its anniversary iPhone.
Under one possible arrangement, a short press could open the Camera application, while a long press could activate a function selected by the user.
For example, the same control might theoretically allow someone to launch the camera and perform a separate custom action.
Such a design could help reduce the number of physical buttons while maintaining convenient access to frequently used features.
However, the precise button interactions described in leaks are hypothetical.
Apple has not confirmed that it intends to combine Camera Control and Action Button functionality.
It is also unclear whether the company would retain existing controls on other iPhone models or introduce different arrangements across its future product lineup.
Why Might Apple Change the iPhone's Physical Buttons?
Smartphone manufacturers continually explore ways to improve device design, usability and durability.
Reducing the number of separate physical controls could potentially support a cleaner exterior design.
A multifunctional control might also provide additional flexibility by allowing users to customise interactions.
However, such changes would involve practical challenges.
Users need controls that are easy to locate, operate and distinguish without looking at the screen.
Camera functionality must also remain convenient, particularly when taking photographs quickly.
Any redesigned system would need to balance simplicity with accessibility and reliable operation.
Whether these considerations will influence Apple's 2027 design remains unknown.
What Else Could Change in the 20th Anniversary iPhone?
Apart from button modifications, the source report points towards the possibility of a substantially redesigned exterior.
A more glass-oriented appearance could represent a departure from the familiar design language of recent iPhone generations.
Nevertheless, the report does not establish confirmed details about the display, cameras, processor, battery or other technical specifications.
There is also no official confirmation of the anniversary model's name, pricing or availability.
Consumers should be cautious about treating early concept images and speculative specifications as authentic representations of an upcoming Apple product.
Has Apple Officially Confirmed the iPhone 2027 Changes?
No official confirmation of the specific changes described in the source report has been provided.
The claims about removing the Action Button, merging its functions with Camera Control and introducing a new glass-based design remain unverified.
Apple generally reveals major product details through official announcements and launch events.
Until the company provides further information, these reports should be regarded as early indications of what future iPhone development might involve.
The final design could differ considerably from current rumours.
Should iPhone Users Wait for the 2027 Anniversary Model?
For consumers considering a smartphone upgrade, the reported changes may sound interesting.
However, purchasing decisions should not be based solely on unconfirmed leaks.
Existing iPhone models already offer features such as advanced camera systems, configurable controls and modern software capabilities.
Users who need a new phone immediately should evaluate currently available devices according to their requirements, budget and expected usage.
Those interested in major future design changes can follow Apple's official announcements as 2027 approaches.
Final Takeaway
Apple's 20th anniversary in 2027 could provide an opportunity for a significant evolution in iPhone design.
Early reports suggest that the company may explore a glass-focused exterior and a simplified physical button arrangement.
The possibility of combining Action Button features with Camera Control is particularly interesting because it could change how users interact with their devices.
However, Apple has not confirmed that the Action Button will disappear or that Camera Control will gain these additional capabilities.
For now, the proposed redesign remains an intriguing possibility rather than an announced product feature.
Official Apple Website: https://www.apple.com/
Editor's Note: The 2027 iPhone design and button-related changes discussed in this article are based on unconfirmed reports. Final features, specifications and availability may differ from early rumours.






