This is the same fate that befell the iPhone’s iconic home button before it was removed entirely.
“The mute switch debate for the new iPhones is an example of technology for technology’s sake.
Just because you’ve got the option to, doesn’t mean you should.
Math / Unsplash
War On Buttons
Apple seems set to continue its war on buttons with the upcoming iPhone 15.
Presumably, this will require a long press to put the iPhone in and out of mute mode.
The advantage for Apple is clear.
Andranik Hakobyan / Getty Images
The rumors say the iPhone’s volume buttons will also get this treatment in the next version.
And it’s a great solution.
But it won’t work for the mute switch.
Denny Müller / Unsplash
Perfect Design
The iPhone’s ringer mute switch is a design masterpiece.
And getting any of them back will require clunky workarounds.
Denny MA14ller / Unsplash
For example, let’s take the glanceable status display built into every mute switch.
You look at it, and you’re free to see how it is set.
But what if it’s in your pocket?
Perhaps there will be coded haptic feedback.
One buzz for mute, two buzzes for unmute, say.
Based on past changes, it seems inevitable that Apple will replace the switch with a haptic button.
I guess that we can add it to the list of superior features that went awaylike the headphone jack.
