iPhone 7's home button and sport armband

Ugh. Got all excited and geared up to go running for the first time with my iPhone 7, went to unlock it to start capturing my run and 😮 😠...after 10 minutes of expletive filled web searching, I discovered this discussion and the Settings > General > Accessibility > AssistiveTouch workaround (thanks @Corey).

I'm surprised the armband suppliers haven't been kicking and screaming about this since it makes the millions of armbands already in existence and in production somewhat useless (or maybe they're still kicking?)

There certainly are plenty of software solutions to this problem though. Hopefully Apple can correct this in iOS 10.0.X or 10.X 🙂. My top 3 software solutions are:

1. Re-implement 'Slide to Unlock' as an accessibility setting, as was done, during iOS 10 Beta, with the 'Rest Finger to Open' setting. (e.g. Settings > General > Accessibility > Home Button > Slide to Unlock)
2. Create a new gesture, 3DTouch or otherwise, that directly opens the passcode screen. E.g. a double tap of the Sleep/Wake button, or a double 3DTouch press.
3. (A sexier solution), create a 'Runner Mode' in Control Center that toggles said accessibility setting on/off, or that allows for some other means of physically unlocking the phone.

Does Apple have a feature/enhancement request portal, aside from http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html, for submitting ideas like this?

Belkin, for example, has since released two sport armbands for iPhone 7 and announced a third (coming soon):

Sport-Fit:

http://www.belkin.com/us/F8W781-Belkin/p/P-F8W781/

Sport-Fit Plus:

http://www.belkin.com/us/F8W782-Belkin/p/P-F8W782/

Sport-Fit Pro:

http://www.belkin.com/us/F8W783-Belkin/p/P-F8W783/

Hi

The Apple Online Store does not currently offer an armband for iPhone 7, but you may wish to monitor the store for any upcoming additions:

http://www.apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-accessories/health-fitness?page=1#!&f=ar mband&fh=35f7%2B45b7

You may be interested to know that Apple Watch can be used without the paired iPhone while running, including for tracking running workouts and listening to music on compatible Bluetooth headphones. Apple Watch Series 2 models also include built-in GPS for tracking outdoor activities (your route can be viewed afterwards on the iPhone).

More information:

http://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-2/

You can turn on Assistive Touch. This gives you a button on the screen that can be used to activate the home button. See more about it here: Use AssistiveTouch on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

To be able to use the Home button, be sure to use an armband that is compatible with iPhone 7.

The Belkin Fitness Armband for iPhone 7, for example, is now available from retailers including the US Apple Online Store:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HL192ZM/A/belkin-fitness-armband-for-iphone-7

Yes I agree. I have this same problem and the Apple Watch 2 is a very expensive "fix" for this issue. And one that I don't need or would want. I already have a Fitbit that I like and I don't have iTunes music that I listen to. I load FLAC files into a different player on my phone which I doubt I could control with the Apple Watch 2.

Honestly, all this hype around the iPhone 7 not having an audio jack and I think the worst thing is the new home button. That has caused me many more problems than missing the audio jack.

Now I am wondering if these really do work with the iPhone 7 or if they are like every other armband and just FIT the iPhone 7. If you look at the Sport-Fit Plus above, there is now one review saying that it doesn't allow access to the home button.

I just chatted with Belkin's support and asked them about this and this is the response I got: "Sorry we do not have any specific information regarding it so please do contact our apple poduct support with our toll free number (1800-223-5546) followed by an IVR Option 1 followed by 2. They can help you further with the information."

Hi Scott,

I also asked Belkin, but on Twitter, and this was their response: https://twitter.com/realfarnsworth/status/781121413193273344

Seems like they're sure. If not, might be grounds enough for a refund should it really not work.

I had this same issue, I found a work around. Turn on Assistive Touch (settings/general/accessibility); this is like an unscreen short cut for many features, like screen capture, home button, lock button, shake to undo, etc. Then you can use the assistive touch feature to virtually press the home button. If the phone is locked, you can use the lock button to wake the screen, then use the assistive touch button to press the home button, which will then bring up the passcode screen. Not a great solution but a decent work around. I had to use the assistive touch feature a few years ago when my iPhone 4's lock button stopped working, until I could get it repaired. The touch screen still works fine in an arm band (at least mine does), but the home button does not work at all. Another possibility, if the app you want to use has a widget feature you can add that to your widgit screen, use the lock button to wake the screen, swipe right to access the widget screen. Hope this helps. I can't believe this problem did not make it into any of the articles I read for the last 3 months, I guess everybody was too busy speculating over the headphone jack and the Form factor not changing.

I purchased the Belkin Sport-Fit Plus and it the home button DOES NOT work with it. The phone simply fits into the armband rather than providing access to the home button. I'm returning this one and buying a less expensive one that I can cut a hole in the plastic screen to allow physical access to the button. Rats...

I Had the same problem with my Belkin iPhone 6 armband. My quick fix was to cut out the plastic around the home button. Works good. Remember the 7 is weather sealed. Also I use Bluetooth headphones so don't worry about the headphone/lighting port being in the wrong place.

I came across this discussion after purchasing a Berkin armband. The home button doesn't work - but I'm able to reach the side button to light up the screen. I've turned on AssistiveTouch on my iPhone 7 Plus, this way I am able to use the home button without taking the phone completely out of the armband while working out. I hope this helps. AssistiveTouch is under Settings -> General -> Accessibility. It's still a pain to worry about while I'm running but it's better than nothing!

Dear Jonathan,

I don't believe that suggesting a separate device is a viable solution to this problem.

Thank you! They don't really say how it works with the new home button but I assume that it has a hole for the button? I'll order one of these soon and try it out.