Apple is apparently prepping a few surprises for the iPhone 15 lineup next year, including one that marks the return of haptic tech for physical controls on its phones. According to TF Interntional Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to put “solid-state” buttons on the Pro models next year, replacing the clicky power and volume buttons on the sides.
For the unaware, this is the same system that simulates the feeling of a physical click on Apple hardware. The best example would be the glass-covered trackpad on MacBooks, which offers satisfying vibration feedback when you tap on the trackpad, replicating the assuring feedback of a physical click. Huawei used a similar solution on the Mate 30 Pro, which had a dramatically curved waterfall display that left no space for physical volume control. To make up for it, the Chinese smartphone maker chose an on-screen system for volume controls.
Upping the ante for innovation Interestingly, putting a Taptic Engine on either side just might solve the dexterity problem. The physical power button on an iPhone sits on the right, while the volume rocker sits on the left. With a button-less approach that relies on a vibration motor mechanism, Apple might allow users to switch the position of volume and power buttons alongside the left and right edges.
I wonder how you will force restart them when they crash and the buttons stop responding to touch.