Apple could replace the clickable buttons on iPhone with new solid-state buttons.
According to a new report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could make the clickable volume and power buttons solid-state, similar to how it replaced the Touch ID home button with a new hard button with taptic sound response.
Kuo belives the update will come to the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Max range later next year. Speaking of the news in an investor update, he said: “My latest survey indicates that the volume button and power button of two high-end iPhone 15/2H23 new iPhone models may adopt a solid-state button design (similar to the home button design of iPhone 7/8/SE2 & 3) to replace the physical/mechanical button design.”
It’s thought that the new change will only impact Pro and Max models, whilst the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus will keep clicky buttons for the time being. It’s likely that Apple wants to implement this change to make the iPhones more durable and perhaps even improve waterproofing.
Adding to the note, Kuo said: “Like with the Home button, Kuo says Apple will rely on Taptic Engine vibration motors to simulate the feeling of a click.
Due to this design change, the number of Taptic Engines used in each iPhone will increase from the current one to three. As a result, the existing Taptic Engine suppliers, Luxshare ICT (1st supplier) and AAC Technologies (2nd supplier) will be significant beneficiaries.”
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