According to a report from the United Daily News, Apple is expected to equip the upcoming iPhone 16 series with capacitive buttons. These buttons will be able to provide haptic feedback when touched, giving users the sensation of pressing a physical button. Apple had previously considered introducing capacitive buttons with the iPhone 15 lineup but ultimately abandoned the idea. The new report suggests that Apple has placed orders with Taiwan-based supplier Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) for the production of these capacitive button components. The company plans to replace the physical volume and power buttons on the iPhone 16 with capacitive buttons that respond to touch with haptic feedback. If the report is accurate, Apple will likely incorporate a system in package (SiP) module along with the capacitive buttons paired with two Taptic (haptic) engine motors. This setup will allow the iPhone to simulate the feeling of pressing a physical button. It is important to note that this is not the first time Apple has been rumored to launch an iPhone with capacitive buttons. The company reportedly planned to include them in the current-generation iPhone 15 lineup, but the devices ultimately shipped with mechanical buttons instead. Apple introduced the Action button, a programmable button that replaced the mute switch, with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This button is expected to be added to the non-Pro models this year. Additionally, Apple may introduce a new ‘Capture’ button centered around the phone’s camera. According to the report, Apple has requested that the Taiwanese supplier produce the capacitive button components in Q3 2024. The company is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series in the third quarter of this year. However, it is possible that Apple may delay the inclusion of capacitive buttons until the iPhone 17 series, which is expected to arrive in 2025.
iPhone 16: Captive Buttons Coming with Haptic Feedback and Possible ‘Capture’ Button
