Here are six features that Apple users (at least me) desperately want—some software, some hardware.
1. iPhone landscape mode
In 2014, the iPhone 6 Plus introduced landscape mode to accommodate its larger display. Ironically, the iPhone 12 mini has a screen size similar to the iPhone 6. Yet today, even larger iPhone models still don’t have landscape mode. WHY? Because in iOS 14, Apple introduced home screen widgets. Keeping the icon and widget grid consistent in landscape is a tough job for iOS developers.
2. AirPods with a display
How great would it be if the case had an LED display? It could show the current track, battery status, and more—like an iPod. Knockoff brands have sold flashy AirPods alternatives with displays for years at less than a quarter of the price. Adding a small LED probably wouldn’t raise costs much. At worst, Apple could sell a display case as an upgrade.
3. Capacitive volume controls
Apple introduced the “Action Button” in the iPhone 15 era to replace the mute switch. After using it, I realized how annoying it is—mainly because of its position.
The Action Button is exactly where the mute switch used to be. And it’s basically a smaller version of the volume button, which makes it confusing. I often press the Action Button when I just want to raise the volume, triggering mute or AI, etc. The core issue is the Action Button is too close to the volume buttons, and both are pressable. By feel alone, you can’t tell which one you’re pressing. It also makes screenshots annoying: I should press Side + Volume Up but accidentally hit the Action Button.
A capacitive volume bar like the camera control key would solve this. Honestly, new iPhones have too many buttons. Since iPhone X removed the Home button, iPhone’s hardware layout has already changed dramatically.
4. MacBook with Dynamic Island
The MacBook notch feels as useless as the LiDAR scanner on the iPad Pro. After all, it’s already 2025 and MacBook still lacks Face ID.
Why not replace the notch with a Dynamic Island design? Face ID could be integrated there, and an always‑present interactive UI element at the top could further enhance macOS.
5. Stylish, colorful AirTags
Right now, AirTags only come in silver/white. Compared with the vibrant colors of other Apple accessories, they feel dull. Like charging cables, it would be great if Apple offered multiple AirTag colors.
It would also help with organization—multiple AirTags would be easier to distinguish at a glance. Apple already sells colorful accessories like key rings, so colored AirTags make sense. It adds personality while keeping Apple’s aesthetic.
Also, Apple won’t update AirTags every year, so keeping multiple colors likely won’t hurt production. They could adjust color production based on demand.
6. Reverse wireless charging
Since Apple replaced Lightning with USB‑C, carrying cables is easier. But sometimes I forget a cable, and I wish the iPhone could reverse‑charge AirPods wirelessly. Reverse wireless charging would be extremely useful: place AirPods, Apple Watch, or even another phone on the back of the iPhone to charge. When you’re out with low battery and no charger, it would be a lifesaver.
Although iPhone still doesn’t support this, many Android phones do. Samsung’s Galaxy S10/S20/S21/S22 series support “Wireless PowerShare.” Google Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro offer reverse charging too. Even OnePlus added it on devices like the OnePlus 10 Pro. So… when will Apple support it?
Final Thoughts
That’s it for my Apple wish list.
