Apple will release the new iPhone 15 series in September, and sources say the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will feature a new solid-state button design that replaces the traditional physical buttons.
An anonymous source on the MacRumors forums who accurately revealed the iPhone 14 Pro’s Smart Island feature said that the iPhone 15 Pro Series phones will use an ultra-low power chip that will allow the new volume, power and “Action” solid-state buttons to work when the phone is turned off or The new volume, power and “Action” solid-state buttons will work when the phone is turned off or runs out of power. These solid-state buttons don’t actually move but rather simulate presses, long presses and varying degrees of pressure through capacitive sensing and haptic feedback.
Some iPhone users have expressed concern about whether this new capacitive button will work properly when using a case or glove. In response, the source revealed that iOS 17 will add a new sensitivity switch that will allow users to adjust the sensitivity of the buttons based on different usage scenarios.
iPhone case makers typically receive relevant design details before Apple releases a new phone so that adjustments can be made to button placement and other external changes. Combined with the new sensitivity settings, this should prevent potential problems due to the unique nature of the new capacitive buttons. These capacitive buttons will use a mechanism similar to Force Touch and Taptic Engine haptic feedback to detect presses, long presses and pressure sensations.
Consistent with previous rumours, the solid capacitive buttons will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro series models, while the standard iPhone 15 series phones will retain the same traditional buttons as the iPhone 14 series. In addition, the iPhone 15 Pro will add a customizable “Action” button to replace the mute switch and an integrated volume button to replace the separate volume up and down buttons.
Solid-state keys are keys that have no mechanical moving parts, reducing failure and wear and tear, and improving water and dust resistance. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to debut the solid-state button on the iPhone 15 Pro line of phones in 2023, while other brands of smartphones do not currently use this technology.
As is Apple’s custom, the iPhone 15 series phones are expected to be released in September.
