iPhone’s End-Call Feature May Be Relocating

Be cautious of your thumb’s muscle memory as Apple plans to slightly relocate the red end-call button in the phone app with the upcoming iOS 17 updates.

As iPhone users know, the “End” button is currently prominently placed away from the other call options, centered at the bottom of the screen. But in iOS 17, which will be officially released this fall, the red icon will move to the right — and other features will move down to join it.

While Apple’s iOS 17 preview guide introduced this new setup in June, attention has been heightened as some examine beta versions of the software update. Images of iOS 17 betas shared by multiple news outlets this week show a small — but potentially frustrating — change.

In addition to the end button, additional changes have been made to the placement of other call features in previous iOS versions. For example, the “Mute” and “Speaker” buttons have changed – as have the “FaceTime” and “Keyboard” options. And it looks like the feature that lets you search for contacts is bundled with the Add Call option.

The changes have already sparked reactions on social media, with some predicting muscle memory lapses – noting that adaptation could take some time.

It is unclear whether the call functions will change further before the official release of iOS 17. The Associated Press reached out to Apple for comment on Wednesday.

As Apple notes on its website, the company’s beta program allows some Apple users to test software before it’s released. Feedback from participants helps Apple identify problems and improve software before commercial release.

In addition to possible tweaks to the locations of ringtone icons, iOS 17 brings a bunch of new features to Apple customers — including improved autocorrect, a new Journal app, and real-time voicemail transcription that lets you reach out and respond when someone leaves a message.