The new call screen in iOS 17 sucks for left handed use

[juballharshaw]

The new call screen in iOS 17 is a terrible UI usability change for left handed users. Moving the end call button from the center of the screen to the far right side has made it impossible to use a phone as a phone with one hand if you typically use your left hand, especially on the larger devices.

I'm fortunate enough to have both hands and can end the call with my other hand to get past this, but I have to imagine that for those who don't have a right hand or limited mobility with their right hand, this seemingly small change is a huge step back on usability.

Macworld seems to think those of us complaining are being hysterical and "will get used to" this change but it does not seem like Apple has thought this out.

 

[gwhizkids]

I agree that this was not well thought out...if it stays the way it is and there is no other reason for it. In any event, I would definitely register your thoughts via the feedback app.

 

[3166792]

This is 100% a valid concern and falls under the umbrella of accessibility. Definitely submit your concerns to Apple via the Feedback app as I think this is an important thing to address

 

[Paddle1]

It's a more awkward spot IMO even if you're using your right hand.

 

[lindros2]

There should be a "left handed" option which reverses it with "add".

 

[gwhizkids]

There should be a "left handed" option which reverses it with "add".

Good suggestion. File a feedback with that idea!

 

[gwhizkids]

It's a more awkward spot IMO even if you're using your right hand.

That is actually true. It’s much harder to pull your thumb in tight to push that button. Net loss for righties.

 

[addamas]

Wow, definetely a change in wrong direction. I do also agree it’s not a good for right handed as well as it forces to roll the thumb so it’s a poor UX for both main hands.

Edit:
Sent them feedback from iOS 16, as I do beta only on IPad OS for now 😅

 

[Dog Bone Malone]

I thought I was seeing things when I saw this on my 14pm for the first time. I'm sure they have a reason for doing this, but I can't think of any improvement this brings. Let's hope Apple see sense and at least move it to the middle.

 

[one more]

I thought I was seeing things when I saw this on my 14pm for the first time. I'm sure they have a reason for doing this, but I can't think of any improvement this brings. Let's hope Apple see sense and at least move it to the middle.

Apple’s reason was probably wanting to bring all the call-related buttons closer to the bottom of the screen, which makes sense.

They have at least two ways of making it better for all now:

1) putting a toggle to move the end call button to the left; or

2) moving the end call button to the bottom of the screen in the middle, forming a down-facing triangle, yet this will add an extra row.

Do submit feedback to Apple, they usually listen, as they did with Safari top/bottom address bar in the past.

 

[Coxy]

Apple: "You're holding it wrong"

 

[juballharshaw]

Sorry all, probably should have mentioned in the OP that I have already submitted the feedback to them including the add a reverse option. I appreciate the others who are also submitting feedback!

This is 100% a valid concern and falls under the umbrella of accessibility. Definitely submit your concerns to Apple via the Feedback app as I think this is an important thing to address

There should be a "left handed" option which reverses it with "add".

 

[one more]

It has also been pointed out in the Beta 5 thread 🖐️

Post in thread 'iOS 17 Beta 5 ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements'
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...hanges-and-improvements.2398090/post-32379142

 

[alexandr]

I absolutely hate it and I'm right handed.

 

[rgeiger97]

I think they moved it down so the buttons aren't in the crease of the foldable they're announcing next month... "One more thing"

 

[twilliams_on]

Do we know if there's will be a setting to put it back?

 

[gwhizkids]

Do we know if there's will be a setting to put it back?

We do not know that.

 

[Ledsteplin]

I think they moved it down so the buttons aren't in the crease of the foldable they're announcing next month... "One more thing"

I think it was because of Contact Posters. They had to move stuff around.

 

[bigjnyc]

Impossible to use? really? Seems a bit extreme... I just held the phone with my left hand and it took very little effort to tap my thumb over to where the button is.... And I don't have particularly long fingers... what am I missing here? its not like an iphone screen is the length of an ipad.

 

[Dog Bone Malone]

Impossible to use? really? Seems a bit extreme... I just held the phone with my left hand and it took very little effort to tap my thumb over to where the button is.... And I don't have particularly long fingers... what am I missing here? its not like an iphone screen is the length of an ipad.

Perhaps you're an alien and have an E.T length finger or thumb!

 

[rgeiger97]

I think it was because of Contact Posters. They had to move stuff around.

Oh very true, are they going to show contact posters while the call is in progress? I also was just trying to stir the pot more lol

 

[JCCL]

Looks like they listened to feedback. It is now centered in beta 6

 

[Dog Bone Malone]

Now rectumfied in Beta 6😃

 

[Ledsteplin]

Oh very true, are they going to show contact posters while the call is in progress? I also was just trying to stir the pot more lol

Could be. LOL. It's what I read somewhere. It didn't make sense to me either.

 

[fisherking]

funny, i really didn't mind the 'end' button on the right, and it's fine now, in the center. easy to adapt to. am also left-handed, and have had no usability issues with my iphone (full disclosure: i use my mac mouse on the right).

anyway, considering the response to the moved end button, makes sense it's now in the center.