In this episode, Dave Nason explores the changed gestures and button functions on the iPhone X, the first iPhone to ship without a Home button. Although these changes are demonstrated on the iPhone X, they apply to all subsequent iPhone and iPad models that lack this button.
Using alternative gestures as well as the other buttons on the device, all functions involving the Home button can be accessibly replicated. The table below lists affected functions, how to perform them on devices with a Home button, and how to perform them on devices without a Home button.
| Function | How to perform it on devices with a Home button | How to perform it on devices without a Home button |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility shortcut | Press the Home button three times quickly | Press the Side button three times quickly |
| Engage Siri | Press and hold the Home button | Press and hold the Side button |
| Power off the device | Press and hold the Side button | Press and hold both the Side button and either of the volume buttons |
| Return to the Home Screen | Press the Home button | Place your finger on the bottom edge of the screen and when you hear a brief tone, slide it straight up until you hear a second tone |
| Reveal the App Switcher | Press the Home button twice quickly | Place your finger on the bottom edge of the screen and when you hear a brief tone, slide it straight up until you hear the third ascending tone |
| Reveal the Control Center | Place your finger on the status bar and swipe up with three fingers | Place your finger on the top edge of the device and when you hear a brief tone, slide it straight down until you hear the second tone |
| Reveal notifications | Place your finger on the status bar and swipe down with three fingers | Place your finger on the top edge of the device and when you hear a brief tone, slide it straight down until you hear the third ascending tone |
| Take a screenshot | Press both the Home and Side buttons | Press both the Side button and either of the volume buttons |
Note: Placing your finger on the status bar and swiping either up with three fingers to reveal the Control Center or down with three fingers to reveal notifications still works on devices without a Home button, in addition to the alternative gestures.
Comments
RE: Exploring the New Gestures and Changed Button Functions on
Hello Dave. I just wanted to tell you thanks for posting this podcast. Due to financial constraints, I haven't been able to upgrade my iPhone 6S yet; however, since listening to your podcast, maybe I won't miss the home button nearly as much as I first thought. Personally, I don't think that Apple should have removed the iconic button, but I'm also one of those who is still groaning over the loss of the earphone jack, too. Anyway, thanks for an excellent demo for replacing the home button and handling the new gesture set for control center and notifications.
Keep up the good work.
Excellent Demonstration
Dave, thanks for this excellent demonstration. I got an iPhone 14 this week, and was a bit caught off guard by the lack of a home button. But I've started figuring things out on the new phone, and am having little if any difficulty. Very impressive new features! Thanks also for the table describing these gestures.
message for Ecaj
Hi, I hope you enjoy using your new phone. I also have an iPhone 14 and love it.
Re: Message for Ekaj
So far so good. I'm just figuring things out, but am happy with it. I've started using the journaling app to jot down everything I eat and drink, and the app is very nice.