Apple’s latest iPhone has introduced a game-changing feature: the customizable side button. Now, instead of being limited to a single function (like the good old mute switch), you can configure the side button to do a variety of useful things. And let me tell you, as someone who spends a lot of time on a farm, this has been a surprisingly big deal.
I’ll get into the specifics in a second, but I have to start with the absolute MVP of this new feature: the flashlight. I have used the heck out of this thing. Honestly, I might owe my life to the side button flashlight at this point — or at least my sanity.
Let’s break down the different ways you can use the side button and why it’s become an essential part of my daily life (on and off the farm).
1. The Flashlight (a.k.a. My Farm Survival Tool)
Okay, let’s be real. The flashlight is the single greatest invention since the wheel — or at least since Apple introduced AirDrop. Having quick access to it via the side button has saved me more times than I can count.
- Checking on the horses at night: It turns out horses don’t care that it’s pitch black outside when they decide to start making noise in the barn. A quick double-press of the side button, and boom — instant searchlight.
- Navigating the woods: Ever tried walking through the woods at night with just the moonlight? Yeah, no. The side button flashlight has prevented more twisted ankles and tree branch face-slaps than I care to admit.
- Fixing stuff in the dark: Broken gate latch at 10 PM? No problem. Side button flashlight to the rescue — though I did scare a raccoon once when the beam hit him head-on. Not sure which of us was more surprised.
- Finding that one loose screw: Dropping a small screw into the hay is basically a death sentence… unless you’ve got a quick-draw flashlight at your side.
Honestly, if the side button only did the flashlight, I’d still call it the best upgrade in years. But it gets better.
2. Camera Access (For When the Horses Are Actually Cooperating)
Before this, I can’t tell you how many times I missed the perfect picture because by the time I unlocked my phone and opened the camera app, the moment was gone. Now? Just program the side button to open the camera, and you’re ready to snap a photo in under a second.
- Horse selfies: When my horse actually lets me get close enough for a selfie without trying to eat my phone, I can capture it instantly.
- That one perfect sunset: Farm sunsets are unreal. Now I can actually capture them before the sun dips below the treeline.
- Weird animal sightings: Ever had a coyote casually stroll across your property? Side button camera access means you can get the shot before they vanish into the woods.
And hey — no more awkward “face unlock in the dark” fails.
3. Voice Memos (For When Inspiration Strikes in the Barn)
Sometimes I get my best ideas while mucking out stalls or fixing a fence. Now, with a quick side button press, I can record those brilliant thoughts (or rambling nonsense) without breaking stride.
- Business ideas: Nothing like shoveling horse manure to get you thinking about streamlining client requirements.
- Creative musings: I’ve half-written poems and blog posts while walking the fields, just talking into my phone.
- Grocery lists: “Hay, oats, carrots… oh yeah, and dog food.” (Yes, I have dogs too — and they also love the flashlight.)
4. Shortcuts (Because I’m Not Just a Farmer)
The side button can also trigger shortcuts, which means you can automate basically anything. It’s like having a personal assistant at your fingertips.
- Send a text: Double-press to send “Be there in 5” to my wife when I’m running late because the tractor got stuck.
- Smart home control: Side button + shortcut = lights on in the barn before I even get there.
- Music control: Need to psych myself up to move a round bale? Side button shortcut to play my pump-up playlist.
5. Magnifier (For When My Eyes Start Acting Their Age)
Ever tried reading the fine print on a tractor manual in low light? Yeah, the magnifier feature has been a lifesaver. Just set the side button to open it, and suddenly that tiny text is readable.
- Checking feed labels: No more guessing whether that’s alfalfa or timothy hay.
- Repair work: Because I’d rather not mix up the 7/16” bolt with the 9/16” one — again.
6. Accessibility Tools (For When Things Get Messy)
The side button also works great for quick access to accessibility features. For example:
- Zoom: Handy when the fence post screws are blending into the wood grain.
- VoiceOver: Sometimes you just need your phone to read things out loud when your hands are covered in mud.
- AssistiveTouch: A lifesaver when I’m trying to operate my phone with gloves on.
Why the Side Button Is Actually Genius
Apple probably designed the side button for urban life — quick photos, easy payment access, that kind of thing. But I’ve discovered that it’s low-key one of the most useful tools for rural life too.
It’s one of those features that you don’t realize you need until you start using it. Now I can’t imagine going without it. The flashlight alone has probably saved me from falling into a ditch or stepping on a snake more times than I care to count.
What Do You Use It For?
I’m curious — how are you using the side button? Do you have it set up for a specific shortcut or feature? Have you found a use for it that Apple probably didn’t intend (like scaring off raccoons)?
Drop a comment below and let me know! Maybe I’ll even put together a poll to see which side button use is the most popular.
And if you’re not using the side button yet… what are you waiting for? Your next farm (or city) adventure could depend on it.
P.S. If anyone from Apple is reading this — next upgrade idea: let me program the side button to call for pizza delivery. Or maybe just to summon help when I get the tractor stuck. Again.
