Let's Not Fight the Power
When it comes to next year’s iPhone, headliner features like an AMOLED screen, wireless charging, or a bezelless glass form get all the attention. But none of those are at the top of my list.
If Johnny Ive were to ask my advice on what one thing needs to change about the iPhone, my answer would come without any hesitation at all. The location of the power button opposite the volume buttons drives me crazy. I’d move it back to the top where it used to be.
I hate to complain, but I just can’t get used to it. And it’s not just that someone moved my cheese. When I first got my iPhone 7 Plus, I was repulsed by the haptic home button. But after a couple of days, I was used to it. After a couple of weeks, I preferred it. But the power button? Two years later, I still hate it.
I’m one of those people who likes to switch his screen off with the power button after I'm done using my iPhone. At least once a day, I still end up having to adjust my grip because I accidentally pressed one of the volume buttons down simultaneously.
Or the opposite happens. I try to adjust the volume and accidentally shut off my screen instead. This is especially problematic if I’m trying to lower my volume in a hurry.
The cause of these problems is the fact that it’s natural to try and grip the phone like a flashlight in order to press the side button. This means that both sides of the phone get pressed simultaneously. I can’t think of any other solution besides moving the power button back to the top.
So there you go, Johnny. If I could wave a magic wand and guarantee one change in the next iPhone, that’s what it would be. Restoring the power button to its proper position.
I hate to complain, but I just can’t get used to it. And it’s not just that someone moved my cheese. When I first got my iPhone 7 Plus, I was repulsed by the haptic home button. But after a couple of days, I was used to it. After a couple of weeks, I preferred it. But the power button? Two years later, I still hate it.
I’m one of those people who likes to switch his screen off with the power button after I'm done using my iPhone. At least once a day, I still end up having to adjust my grip because I accidentally pressed one of the volume buttons down simultaneously.
Or the opposite happens. I try to adjust the volume and accidentally shut off my screen instead. This is especially problematic if I’m trying to lower my volume in a hurry.
The cause of these problems is the fact that it’s natural to try and grip the phone like a flashlight in order to press the side button. This means that both sides of the phone get pressed simultaneously. I can’t think of any other solution besides moving the power button back to the top.
So there you go, Johnny. If I could wave a magic wand and guarantee one change in the next iPhone, that’s what it would be. Restoring the power button to its proper position.
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