Future iPhones and iPads’ buttons may respond differently depending on their orientation. Apple has filed for a patent (number US 20230078934 A1) for “methods, systems, and devices for dynamically assigning button functionality based on orientation.”
In the patent filing, Apple notes that user interaction with electronic devices has increased significantly in recent years. These devices can be devices such as computers, tablet computers, televisions, multimedia devices, mobile devices, and the like.
Apple want the iPhone and iPad to sport one or more buttons that are usable in different orientations and/or displays user interfaces in different orientations.