Skip to main content

iPhone 8/Edition may include option to invoke Siri with sleep/wake button [U]

[Update: A discovery by iHelp BR earlier this month also suggests that the sleep/wake button may have custom functions in native iOS apps. The line of code found was “lockButtonAppropriateForShutter”. With the larger sleep/wake button we’ve seen in many iPhone 8/Edition renders, it’s possible we could see two buttons housed within the new sleep/wake button.]

The latest discovery by developer Guilherme Rambo indicates the iPhone 8/Edition could use the sleep/wake button to invoke Siri in place of the Home button.

In a tweet last night, Rambo said “What if the lock button becomes the home button? 🤔” After another user asked if he discovered some code that suggested the idea, Rambo confirmed saying, “I did find a gesture to invoke Siri by holding the lock button.”

While many iPhone users are used to the ease of “Hey Siri” and may prefer that method for activating Apple’s virtual assistant, it would be nice to have a replacement for a hardware based option as the Home button is removed.

A popular use of a setup like this could be to use “Hey Siri” for primary use and the sleep/wake button for activating the new Type to Siri feature in iOS 11. There could also be a learning curve with this new feature as some users may need some practice to learn the difference between powering down their iPhone (if that stays the same) and using Siri.

It’s unclear where Rambo found this new detail, but he’s built solid reputation this year. He’s discovered details about the iPhone 8/Edition, 4K Apple TV, HomePod, and more. Now that we’re two days into September, we’ve only got 10 more before we officially find out about this new detail along with everything else.

To get caught up with all the latest iPhone 8/Edition news, check out our guide here.


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel