Prior to last year’s upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro, I typically had to follow a few steps to order my daily coffee. I would launch the Dunkin’ app first, then select my usual coffee order by tapping the Order tab and selecting the location I typically visit. I can now complete the task by just holding down the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro.

Last year, the Action button was added to the iPhone 15 Pro as a shortcut for starting common operations. Now that it’s accessible on all iPhone 16 models, you don’t need to buy the Pro to enjoy this useful button. You can set the button to turn on the flashlight, switch on the camera, activate the magnifier, translate words, record a voice note, utilize an accessibility function, put your phone in silent mode, or activate a Focus mode, such as Do Not Disturb. With a single press, you can also use it to execute a shortcut.

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The Action button’s most intriguing feature is that final choice. Some iPhone chores can be automated with Apple’s Shortcuts app, which has been accessible since iOS 12 was released in 2018. The app was initially a creative approach to extend Siri’s powers by giving it the ability to perform highly customized voice prompts and manage many operations with a single command.

However, it unlocks an entirely new level of capability when paired with the Action button. There are many options available to you that you won’t fully understand until you experiment with it yourself. You may configure the Action button to execute any of the shortcuts you’ve made in the application. I think it’s more practical than the new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16.

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I made a shortcut that automatically places a previous order for the Dunkin’ example mentioned above. You have the option of reordering an existing order or starting a new one when you create a new Dunkin’ shortcut. A list of some of your most recent orders will appear if you select the Order Dunkin’ Again option.

Take a look: Watch the New Visual Intelligence of the iPhone 16 in Action 03:39
The payment details and the store location you’ve visited before are pre-configured because it retrieves this data from the Dunkin’ app. You even have the option of picking up your order in person or by drive-thru. It should be noted that I wasn’t the first to figure out that the Action button could be used as a coffee button whenever you wanted. Shortly after the iPhone 15 Pro was released, brett.tech, a TikTok user, accomplished the same thing with a Starbucks shortcut.

I’ve tried a few other intriguing uses of the Action button, but my favorite is ordering coffee. For instance, you can configure the Action button to initiate a voice discussion with OpenAI’s virtual assistant, so transforming it into a ChatGPT button. I’ve also used the button to make a brief call to my spouse without opening the phone app and to set a 30-second timer, which would be helpful for stretching before working out. Additionally, there is a hack that creates a shortcut that captures a screenshot and then initiates a Google Lens search, emulating Google’s Circle to Search feature for Android.

I’ve been left wanting more after using the Action button in this manner. With all the shortcuts you could create, the button’s capability for only one action feels restrictive. For example, I wish I could double press to order my coffee and long press to call my hubby.

Along with the Dynamic Island and Camera Control key, it’s another indication that Apple is experimenting with new ways to interact with your iPhone.