Apple is reportedly moving away from physical buttons in its upcoming iPhone 16 model. The shift to capacitive buttons, which was previously rumoured for the iPhone 15 but did not materialise due to manufacturing issues, is now said to be back on track.
A recent supply chain report indicates that Apple has placed an order with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering for a new capacitive button system. This system is expected to replace the traditional physical buttons on the iPhone 16, as reported by 9to5mac.
The new design will reportedly incorporate two additional Taptic Engine components, providing users with vibration feedback when interacting with the capacitive buttons. This could enhance the tactile feedback and make the buttons feel more responsive and intuitive.
The transition to capacitive buttons could mark a significant shift for Apple, eliminating physical buttons like volume and power controls that have been staples of the iPhone design for years. This move is likely aimed at streamlining the device’s form factor and improving durability.
However, it’s worth noting that these are still rumours, and Apple has not officially confirmed any details about the iPhone 16’s design or features. As with all rumours, it’s best to take this information with a grain of salt until Apple makes an official announcement.