Fixed volume control buttons

I just bought a new iPad Pro (10" 2021) today.


The volume buttons seem to swap functions when I turn the iPad in landscape mode. The buttons on my 2020 iPad do not do this.


Rumor has it, there's a "Fixed Position Volume Control" setting on iOS, but I can't find it. Is there no way to disable this feature? It's extremely frustrating, as I've been using iPad since day one (literally - I bought the first iPad sold in my city) and this is new behavior. The fact that it is different on my two iPads is really inconvenient and keeps messing me up.



iPad Pro (4th generation)

Posted on Jun 16, 2023 12:37 PM

Reply
6 replies

Jul 26, 2023 08:17 AM in response to EJNorth

EJNorth wrote:

I agree, I absolutely hate it! It makes no sense to me, why physical buttons should change their use/logic depending on the orientation of the iPad. I hope apple will at least give us the option to turn it off.

You should let Apple know what you'd like to see here:


Product Feedback - Apple


I wouldn’t have bought this model if I new about this bug before buying.

Bugs are errors in coding. This is quite obviously intentional. Therefore, not a bug.

Jun 18, 2023 05:18 AM in response to MichelPM

Dynamic volume controls were introduced with release of iPadOS 15.4 onwards. The “logic” behind dynamic volume controls is such that regardless of the screen orientation, the relative function remains constant - as follows:


  • When the physical buttons are positioned on a vertical edge of the iPad, the uppermost button will always increase the volume. Conversely, lower button will decrease the volume.


  • When the physical buttons are positioned on a horizontal edge of then iPad, the button on the right will increase the volume - while the button on the left will decrease the volume.




For reasons known only to Apple, the ability to disable this feature is not available for any new models of iPad and iPad Pro that have since been launched - these models being:

  • iPad Air5
  • iPad mini6
  • fourth generation iPad Pro 11”
  • sixth generation iPad Pro 12.9”
  • iPad10


This is documented within this recently updated Apple Support document:

Use the Home, side, and other buttons on your iPad - Apple Support


Apple invite submission of constructive comments and feature requests via its Product Feedback pages. If you would like to see the ability to disable dynamic volume control functions for your iPad, this would be the most appropriate channel through which to make your voice heard:

Feedback - iPad - Apple

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Fixed volume control buttons

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