Rumours about Apple and its intentions to revamp the iPhone interface have been circulating for a long time. Although ultimately the physical buttons were not replaced with capacitive solid-state buttons from the iPhone 15 Pro, rather only one of them which was replaced by the Action Button, recent reports suggest that the iPhone 16 may make the transition to a complete move away from traditional mechanical buttons.

According to Economic Daily News, Apple is working with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering to manufacture capacitive solid-state buttons intended for the iPhone 16. This suggests Apple's intention to make a radical change, replacing all mechanical buttons with touch technology throughout the device.

The system-in-package (SiP) a chip design model that comes from yesteryear , is designed to replace conventional power and volume control buttons with capacitive solid-state buttons. These buttons will be equipped with Taptic Engine motors, offering haptic feedback that mimics the feel of physical buttons. This change will not only redefine the aesthetics of iPhones but also bring a new user experience.

While traditional buttons have a more confident press , they have a major drawback. The moving parts that make up their mechanism.So unlike traditional buttons, capacitive solid-state buttons are more durable and reliable, as they have no moving parts. Their closed design reduces wear and tear, while not allowing dust and other small particles (such as sand, hair, etc.) to accumulate in the gaps. In addition, these touch-sensing buttons, which provide haptic feedback, offer a smoother and more seamless user experience.

We now know that the delay in integrating capacitive solid-state buttons into the iPhone 15 Pro is attributed to manufacturing difficulties and cost concerns. However, new rumors are debunking speculation that Apple is ready to introduce this innovation with the iPhone 16. However, there are still uncertainties about the timing and details of the implementation, as development and strategic considerations may influence the company's decisions.

It is uncertain which iPhone 16 models will receive the upgrade to capacitive solid-state buttons. Typically, Apple introduces new features on Pro models before extending them to standard models. However, reports suggest that the new technology may also appear on non-Pro iPhone 16 models, which would be a departure from tradition.

It is important to say that such a move by Apple would change the history of smartphone design, as more and more companies would follow in its footsteps and slowly do away with mechanical buttons. The details and implications of this change will only become clear with the company's official announcement in September 2024. 

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)