A Taiwanese news outlet claims that the iPhone 16 may launch later this year with capacitive buttons on both sides of the device in place of physical buttons. According to United Daily News, Apple may incorporate haptic feedback buttons into the rumored iPhone 16 series, which would simulate pushing a real button when touched. It was previously rumored that the company intended to include capacitive buttons in the iPhone 15 series; however, the plans were purportedly shelved last year.
The report claims that Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, a Taiwan-based supplier, has received orders from Apple for capacitive button components. The conventional volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 are allegedly going to be replaced by a new set of capacitive buttons that react to touch and provide haptic feedback by the firm. The iPhone 16 series may include these buttons.
If the report’s claims are accurate, Apple may incorporate a system in package (SiP) module and capacitive buttons with two Taptic (haptic) engine motors in the iPhone 16 series. According to the source, they will enable the iPhone to simulate the sensation of pushing a real button.
It’s important to note that there have been previous rumors that Apple will release an iPhone with capacitive buttons. The phone came with mechanical buttons, even though the company was apparently going to release the current generation iPhone 15 range with the improved buttons.
With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, Apple replaced the mute switch with a programmable button called the Action button. It is anticipated that this year, Apple will release the button on non-Pro models in addition to introducing a new ‘Capture’ button that will be centered on the phone’s camera.
While the Cupertino company is expected to launch its iPhone 16 series in the third quarter of this year, the report states that Apple wants the Taiwanese supplier to produce these components in Q3 2024. Alternatively, the company may decide to delay the inclusion of capacitive buttons until the iPhone 17 series, which is anticipated to arrive in 2025.
