Apple is reportedly moving forward with plans to replace the physical buttons on the iPhone with capacitive versions. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company has secured a contract with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering to provide a system-in-a-package (SIP) module that will be used in conjunction with Taptic Engine motors and touch-enabled “buttons”.
The sources expect Apple to replace the physical buttons on both sides of the iPhone with solid capacitive versions and use the additional Taptic Engines for haptic feedback to simulate button presses. This approach was previously used in earlier iPhones, where the physical home button was replaced with a touch variant before the arrival of Face ID.
Apple has been considering switching to capacitive buttons for some time. Rumors leading up to the iPhone 15 launch suggested that it might be the first Apple device to ditch physical buttons. However, the plans did not materialize due to technical challenges that could not be resolved in time for mass production.
It is unlikely that the iPhone 16 will feature fully touch-based buttons either, as the launch is only about five months away and there have been no significant design changes reported so far. However, rolling out an iPhone with solid-state buttons would provide Apple with a fresh selling point.
The change could also enhance the durability and water resistance of the iPhone by eliminating potential points of entry for liquids. However, it is unclear what impact the addition of two Haptic Engines for haptic feedback might have on the internal space of the device.
Ultimately, Apple is rumored to be working towards a future where iPhones will be completely buttonless and portless, relying solely on touch-based buttons and wireless charging. While this concept is intriguing, losing the functionality of the USB port would significantly reduce the flexibility and versatility of the device.
