Apple’s introduction of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max last year came with a surprising addition: the Action button. At first, I was skeptical about its usefulness, as previous iPhones already had the ability to activate the camera app’s shutter through the volume buttons. However, after using the iPhone 15 Pro Max extensively, I found myself growing fond of the action button. I personalized it to trigger the camera flash, and it proved to be quite handy, especially on a larger phone like the Pro Max. Previously, I had to go through the hassle of swiping and tapping to access the torch icon, but the action button simplified the process.
As a tech journalist, I often find myself pondering and reflecting on various aspects of technology. This led me to reminisce about the squeezable sides of past Google Pixel phones. Introduced with the Pixel 2, these sides allowed users to activate the Google Assistant with a simple squeeze. It was a unique and intuitive way to interact with the device without having to rely on voice commands. The feature added a touch of freshness and innovation to the Pixel phones, which was lacking in many other devices at the time.
Unfortunately, the squeezable sides only lasted a few generations before disappearing altogether with the arrival of the Google Pixel 5. The search giant took a different approach to phone design, prioritizing simplicity over unique hardware features. While I wouldn’t necessarily say that we need the squeezable sides to make a comeback, I do believe that there is still room for innovation in smartphone hardware beyond foldable screens.
The current trend in smartphones focuses on AI integration and smart features, primarily on the software side. However, I think there is potential to leverage haptics, accelerometers, and other touchpoints to create new ways of interacting with our devices. Apple, known for refining innovative features introduced by other companies, could take inspiration from the quirks of older phones and push the boundaries of what is possible with physical hardware.
Looking ahead to the rumored iPhone 16 line, I expect to see an evolution of the current Apple phones. But I also hope that Apple takes the opportunity to introduce new physical features or further enhance the functionality of the Action button. With the advancements in AI technology, smartphones should be able to leverage these capabilities to enable users to do more without constantly having to look at and tap on specific apps or functions.
On the other hand, Google is often the company that introduces new hardware quirks, while Apple refines them to perfection. As we anticipate the release of the Google Pixel 9 Pro, it remains to be seen if there will be any significant design changes. Nevertheless, I hope that Google has hidden something special beneath the surface of its hardware to excite and delight users, injecting creativity into the best Android phones.
In conclusion, while the smartphone industry has made tremendous progress in terms of software features and AI integration, there is still potential for innovation in hardware. Both Apple and Google have a history of introducing unique features, and it would be exciting to see them continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with smartphone design. Whether it’s through refining existing features or introducing completely new ones, there is a need to constantly evolve and surprise consumers with new and exciting experiences.
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