The new iPhone has an action button feature now, instead of just a mute switch. A lot of people online have talked about using it to activate shortcuts that do certain actions in apps.

The untapped potential for this button’s use in magic is probably near limitless. You can create shortcuts that would be very convenient for certain effects.

Ironically, this could be a disadvantage to magic in general as well. As technology improves, we have to do more to combat false methods that people may come up with when watching us. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword.

If you happen to have an iPhone 15 model and perform routines such as DFB, I have a quick suggestion for you. If you’re performing for a tech-savvy friend and you can’t hand your phone to them for a routine for any given reason, try to handle your phone in a way that clearly communicates you couldn’t have touched that button.

Savvy friends who watch you perform might come up with a false method in their minds when watching you perform app-based effects that don’t require the use of the action button. I think doing these little adjustments in performance are worth it.

Just a heads up and a precaution, happy performing.