Trying Out the iPhone 17's New Buttons: Which One Is the Most Useful?

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December 3, 2025 | 02:14 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Apple’s iPhone 17 series introduces upgraded physical controls aimed at improving quick access to essential features. Three buttons now offer expanded functionality: the Action Button, the new Camera (Capture) Button, and the Power Button.

These enhancements allow users to perform more tasks without relying on on-screen navigation.

The familiar volume buttons also retain extra features. Besides adjusting sound, they can still be used as shutter controls in the camera app.

Several button combinations remain available as shortcuts, for example, pressing the lower volume button with the Power button brings up shutdown options, medical ID, or emergency calls. A quick sequence of both volume buttons followed by holding the Power button forces a restart.

So what exactly do the upgraded buttons do?

1. Action Button

Replacing the traditional silent-mode switch, the Action Button sits on the left side above the volume keys. It allows users to instantly trigger apps such as the camera or voice recorder, as well as a range of preset tools.

Its function can be customized further, from turning on the flashlight and enabling silent mode to identifying music, opening translation features, and executing personalized Shortcuts commands.

During testing, Tempo reassigned the button to launch the voice recorder. The recording started automatically after pressing and holding for one second, even when the device was locked.

Apple officially sells the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air in Indonesia, priced from IDR 17,249,000 to IDR 43,999,000. Tempo/Martin Yogi Pardamean

2. Capture Button (Camera Button)

A new dedicated Camera Button has been added to the lower right edge of the phone , offering a shooting experience closer to a traditional camera.

Using this button, users can zoom between 0.5x, 1x, and 2x with a swipe gesture, switch between front and rear cameras, and lock focus. These features can be customized in Settings > Camera > Camera Control based on user preference.

3. Power Button

Beyond locking and waking the device, the Power Button can now activate Siri. Press and hold for a few seconds, and Siri responds instantly, no voice prompt required. The feature can be enabled under Apple Intelligence & Siri > Talk and Type.

Tempo tested the feature and found that Siri appears with the familiar colorful on-screen animation before users issue commands.

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