“Button shapes” on an iPhone usually refers to the Button Shapes accessibility setting, which adds underlines or outlines to tappable text buttons so they’re easier to recognize. Turn it on in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Button Shapes. The phrase can also mean the iPhone’s physical buttons, which have changed a lot, from the round Home button on early models to the Side button, the Action button, and Camera Control on recent iPhones.
This guide covers both: how the Button Shapes setting works and when it helps, plus a short history of the iPhone’s hardware buttons and what each one does today.
Part 1: The Button Shapes accessibility setting
What it does
Since iOS 7, many iPhone buttons are plain text or icons without borders, like Back, Edit, or Done. Button Shapes makes these stand out:
- Text buttons get an underline, or a shaded or outlined background in some places.
- Switches show clearer on and off states when combined with On/Off Labels.
- It works across iOS and in apps that use standard iOS controls.
How to turn on Button Shapes
- Open Settings.
- Tap Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
- Turn on Button Shapes.
Who it helps
- People with low vision or color blindness who have trouble spotting borderless buttons.
- Anyone who finds modern flat design confusing, including older users and people new to iPhone.
- Anyone who wants clearer interfaces in bright light.
Related settings to try
- On/Off Labels – adds I and O marks to switches.
- Bold Text and Larger Text – make text easier to read.
- Increase Contrast and Reduce Transparency – make buttons and backgrounds more distinct.
- Accessibility Shortcut – triple-click the side button to toggle features quickly (set up in Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut).
Part 2: How iPhone hardware buttons have evolved
| Era | Buttons |
|---|---|
| Original iPhone to iPhone 6s (2007–2015) | Round clickable Home button (Touch ID added on iPhone 5s), Sleep/Wake button (moved to the side on iPhone 6), volume buttons, Ring/Silent switch |
| iPhone 7 and 8 (2016–2017), iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation) | Solid-state Home button with Touch ID that uses haptic feedback instead of physically moving |
| iPhone X and later (2017 onward) | No Home button; gestures and Face ID. The Side button handles Siri, Apple Pay, and power |
| iPhone 15 Pro (2023) and iPhone 16 lineup (2024) | The Ring/Silent switch is replaced by the customizable Action button |
| iPhone 16 lineup (2024) and later | Camera Control added on the side for quick camera access, zoom, and settings |
What each button does today
- Side button – press to lock or wake, press and hold for Siri, double-press for Apple Pay, and press with a volume button to power off or take a screenshot.
- Volume buttons – change volume and take photos in the Camera app.
- Action button – choose what it does in Settings > Action Button, such as silent mode, flashlight, a Focus, or a shortcut.
- Camera Control – press to open the camera and take photos, and slide or light-press to adjust zoom and exposure. Customize it in Settings > Camera > Camera Control.
Missing a Home button?
Turn on AssistiveTouch in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch to get an on-screen button that can act like a Home button and perform other actions.
Frequently asked questions
Does Button Shapes affect third-party apps?
It affects apps that use standard iOS buttons. Apps with custom designs may not change.
Why do some buttons look underlined on my iPhone?
Button Shapes is probably turned on. Turn it off in Display & Text Size if you prefer the standard look.
Can I add a Home button to an iPhone without one?
Not physically, but AssistiveTouch and Back Tap (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap) can give you similar shortcuts.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.