IPad Pro 11” 4th Gen on iOS 16.5.1 Volume Button Reversed in Landscape

Hi everyone, I’ve read a few posts on this topic but haven’t found a definitive answer. I just got my new iPad Pro 11” and a new Logitech keyboard and case (just like my previous iPad Pro 10.5” from ~1.5 years ago). I’ve noticed that the volume buttons are reversed on the case—when I press the + sign it reduces the volume and when I press enter - sign, it increases. The Sound setting to dynamically switch seems to work (as the buttons switch when I’m in Portrait mode). What’s weird though is that the behavior seems to be backwards from my previous unit, and the fact that the keyboard only really works effectively in landscape mode…so why would the default in landscape be reversed? Is there a way to switch this so that the default behavior in landscape mode aligns to the keyboard/case?

Posted on Jul 5, 2023 7:22 PM

Reply
Question marked as Apple recommended

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


Some third-party case manufacturers place markings for the physical buttons on the case itself - which, due to the dynamic button functions, may be incorrect. When the “logic” of dynamic controls are understood, incorrect case markings (this be the fault of the case manufacturer) shouldn’t be an issue.


As for iPad’s dynamic controls, 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

Posted on Jul 6, 2023 3:36 AM

Similar questions

4 replies
Question marked as Apple recommended

Jul 6, 2023 3:36 AM in response to JRWAppleAccount

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


Some third-party case manufacturers place markings for the physical buttons on the case itself - which, due to the dynamic button functions, may be incorrect. When the “logic” of dynamic controls are understood, incorrect case markings (this be the fault of the case manufacturer) shouldn’t be an issue.


As for iPad’s dynamic controls, 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

Jul 6, 2023 6:11 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the well described response! What’s weird is that the default setup is the upper button reducing in landscape mode; makes me wonder if I have a software issue and should reload the OS. When I rotate the iPad to portrait mode, then the top button (on the right side edge as I’m facing the screen) is the volume increase; but when I rotate back to landscape mode (laptop-like setup with my keyboard), the most left button (was top in portrait mode) is now the decrease volume button. Cycling the “Lock Sound” feature under Sounds doesn’t seem to change the behavior at all. Oh well, as much as I love my iPads over the years (and my other Apple products), every now and then I’m left sort of scratching my head. Seems like this will be one of those times. Thanks again for the response and explaining where Apple was heading with the dynamic controls feature; well at least before the 4th Gen iPad Pro 11”.

Jul 7, 2023 3:43 AM in response to JRWAppleAccount

If the iPad is not operating as expected for its feature-set, try a forced restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.



IPad Pro 11” 4th Gen on iOS 16.5.1 Volume Button Reversed in Landscape

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.