Apple unveiled its next-generation AI iPhones at its 'Its Glowtime' launch event on September 9, 2024. This year, the vanilla models received quite a few upgrades, putting them in line with the expensive Pro models. iPhone 16 comes with a host of impressive features such as an improved 48 MP Fusion camera, capable A18 chipset, a brand new camera control button and much more. It also features the programmable Action button that we first saw on the iPhone 15 Pro models. With the action button across the entire iPhone range, Apple has killed the classic Mute button on iPhones. While the action button may look and feel more modern, it doesn't feel as comfortable as the mute switch. Before you disagree, let me know!

The Ring/Mute switch has been on the iPhone all the way back to 2007 when the very first, OG iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs. The mute switch has always remained the same, allowing you to toggle between silent and ringing. It has been a classic part of the iPhone's design until we saw the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Honestly, the mute switch was super useful and damn convenient. You just need to press it down to put your iPhone on silent mode and move it up to activate ringtone mode. When you're done, you'll never have to check your iPhone to know if it's off or ringing. The position of the mute switch was enough to tell. If you've been using an iPhone for quite some time, I'm sure you would have developed muscle memory for its position. Unfortunately, that convenience is now gone with the action button. You might completely forget that your iPhone is on silent mode.

The ring/silent switch was not revolutionary, but a necessity. It lets you quickly and easily put your iPhone on silent or vibrate so you don't blow up an important group discussion. Also, since the Mute switch was a physical button, it guaranteed that it wouldn't make my iPhone beep if I wasn't playing music or watching videos. I know when I silenced my iPhone. No mistakes!