Since their introduction in 2007, the iPhone has revolutionised the public perception of the smartphone. For many, Apple’s product has solidified its place as the leader in consumer electronics and many of us rely on the iconic device to keep us connected with our friends, family, and the rest of the world. But as Apple has worked to stay ahead of the market, they’ve slowly been taking away one of the few physical features of its product: the buttons.
The home button has been slowly phased out of production with the release of the iPhone X. It was replaced with an intuitive gesture known as the Home Indicator, which requires a simple tap or swipe of the screen to exit apps and quickly return to the home screen. This feature works well for those that are used to using the gesture, but for anyone new to the interface, it can be rather confusing.
Similarly, the volume controls have been replaced by a “ring” shape housed within the side of the phone. This also requires a few taps or swipes to enable the volume to be adjusted—another feature that works well for those that have become accustomed to the new setup, but can be rather confusing for newcomers.
The reduction of buttons has had a major impact on the customer experience. By moving away from physical controls, those with disabilities, seniors, and anyone new to the device may find it more difficult to navigate and use the device to its full potential. Seniors that are used to a physical button may be overwhelmed or confused by the gesture-based navigation. Those with disabilities may find it difficult to navigate an interface that relies on muscle memory and screen taps.
We understand that Apple is always looking for ways to improve its products and stay ahead of the market, and sometimes it feels like the only way to accomplish this is to take away features and buttons. But taking away the buttons that we’ve come to know and love can have a profound and negative impact on those who are new or unfamiliar with the device.
We ask Apple to please keep the buttons that we’ve become accustomed to and some of the physical features which allow us to easily interact with our device. Obviously, there could be some room for improvement with physical controls, but eliminating them completely in favour of gesture-based navigation could be a step too far.
We love all the features and functions that Apple has provided us over the years, and while it’s reasonable to assume that the company will continue to innovate, it’s also important to remember that a good strategy can only be successful if it works for a variety of customers. Taking away the beloved buttons, then, could end up alienating those that are most likely to purchase the product.