Convert the action button into a pitcher for up to eight applications

The action button on the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 16 provides access with a single click to the functions, but strangely can only perform an action. With a quick solution in shortcoming applications, it is possible to use the action button to activate up to eight applications or automation.

The action button has several predetermined functions, including the alternative in a silent way, the launch of an application, the configuration approach and more.

The action button can only be assigned to perform a specific task, which is unusual when Apple uses double and triple clicks in the airpods to perform different functions.

The usefulness of this button decreases due to the focus of a function. For example, the button can start the camera or alternate the silent mode, but you cannot do both, or rather, it cannot without the use of shortcuts.

Thanks to the versatility of Apple’s direct access automation, the action button can be easily configured to start several different applications or functions. Then, also, a slight redesign in iOS 18 makes the construction courts easier to build than the previous versions.

The new update of the iOS interface makes the shortcuts (slightly) easier to do.

The shortcuts can perform most iphone actions, and can even join motor racing to address complex tasks.

The ability to select multiple tasks by pressing the action button is possible because the action button can activate these shortcuts, including opening a shortcut folder.

When the action button triggers a direct access folder, individual direct access appear as click buttons. The ability to start shortcuts is the secret to use the action button to transform it into a multifunction tool.

Multiple actions configuration

To start, we will launch the Direct Access application and create a new folder. It is possible to move the existing automation to a folder, but start with a new folder and new actions is easier.

The application of direct access is opened on the screen of all shortcuts. If it is a new user of direct accesses, you can find some pre -installed samples.

1. To create a new folder, you must press the rear arrow in the upper left of the screen of all shortcuts.




2. From this screen, labeled with direct access, touch the button in the upper right to add a folder, then give a name to the folder. I have several groups of folders that I assign to the action button, so I have called this new action button.





To create a new folder, touch the button in the upper right.




3. After appointing the direct access, you will return to the direct access menu and your new folder will be listed.
4. Touch the folder on the list in folders and then touch the + + button.





The new folder button creates a new location for automation.




5. The new direct access screen appears, with a place to search for actions and a list of applications with command sequences functions.

To start, we are going to make a shortcut that starts the mail application.

1. In the type of search bar in open. You will see several “open” options, including the specific applications such as Open on Apple TV, Open Camera and more.




2. Select the Open application Choice of the list. You will see a sheet that says the phone should be unlocked to open an application with an automation. This prevents people from starting an application without their permission while their phone is blocked.
3. Click on the + Add button.
4. Click on ApplicationThat stands out.
5. Select any application you want to start from the list.





Here we will add a shortcut to launch the mail.

Now, it has a folder with an action to start the mail application. Repeat this process to start more applications or create new shortcuts. Apple’s sample shortcuts are a good resource to explore.

Assign the folder to the action button.

The final step in this process is to assign the folder that will be activated when pressing the action button. This is the easiest step, but the interface is a bit confusing.

1. Open System preferences and select Action button.





System preferences is where you can configure your action button




2. Move left until you get to Shortcut




3. Click on Choose a shortcut …




4. The resulting page will list the starting shortcuts and a section called My shortcuts.




5. Touch the first direct access in that section called “Show Coleter”.





In the action button configuration for shortcuts, click Show folder …




6. Select the folder you made in the steps above.

Launch of the folder

Now that the button has been assigned in preferences, you can activate it at any time, activating your shortcut.

1. Hold the action button.





The iPhone action button is more powerful than you think.




2. Touch the shortcut you would like to execute.

You still have to press the button, which sounds obvious, but even a year after its introduction, the action button still seems so new that you forget that it is there. But train to use it and use shortcuts to use, and the action button will become a blessing.