Apple will add a new button to the iPhone 15 and ditch a switch, rumours ... trends now

It's been a staple feature in Apple's smartphones since the original iPhone launched in 2007, but it appears that the tech giant could be scrapping the mute switch on its upcoming iPhones. 

Instead, a single volume and mute button may feature on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, according to images uploaded to TikTok by user @chenwen1987.

The designs, which were later posted on Twitter, show a model sideview which appears to have just one long button for adjusting volume levels.

Claims also suggest that this button will not physically move, providing only a press sensation using haptic feedback.

These 'leaks' come six months before Apple is expected to announce the unreleased iPhone models as it usually does each September.

Last year's iPhone 14 has two volume buttons in addition to a separate mute switch for quickly cutting out sound.

Amidst the iPhone 15 rumours, some have speculated that Apple could be leaning towards more software customisation.

Tech Radar guessed that the mute button could potentially have camera shutter functions if settings were more adjustable.

A Twitter user also added: 'My hope is that the new "silent mode" haptic button will be programmable to different actions.'

Another said: 'I guess that mute button will be a normal clicky button so that they can use it as a hard reset button.' 

Despite this, other images show that the iPhone 15 'base model' still incorporated the mute switch, supporting those who would rather stick to using their muscle memory. 

New model 'leaks' follow earlier rumours suggesting that several design changes were coming to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Just yesterday, tech reviewer Sonny Dickson uploaded images of what appeared to be glass panels for the unreleased phones.