Apple is once again making headlines with a revived focus on haptic button technology, according to fresh rumors circulating within the tech community.
The company is said to have restarted development of solid-state haptic buttons for future iPhones — and not just iPhones, but also iPads and Apple Watches.
This development suggests Apple could be preparing to transition away from traditional mechanical buttons altogether. Haptic buttons, also known as solid-state buttons, mimic the feel of pressing a real button through tactile feedback, without any actual moving parts.
The technology has the potential to reduce mechanical wear to zero, and it also opens up new possibilities for customizable controls. For example, a light tap might trigger one function, while a firmer press or a longer touch could activate something entirely different.
Rumors about Apple exploring haptic buttons are not new. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max were previously expected to feature the technology, but those plans were reportedly shelved due to technical setbacks. Chief among the concerns was the issue of mistouches, where users might accidentally trigger functions without intending to.
Now, sources claim Apple may have made enough progress to revisit the idea, potentially rolling out the technology in its upcoming devices. However, the timeline for launch remains unclear. Industry insiders suggest that 2025 might still be too early, with a more realistic debut possibly aligned with the iPhone 18 series in 2026.
If the rumors hold true, this could mark a major shift in Apple’s hardware design philosophy across multiple product lines. As always, Apple has yet to confirm any such developments, so it remains to be seen whether haptic buttons will finally make their debut or remain a long-term project under wraps.
For now, Apple fans will have to wait and watch if the next wave of devices delivers a buttonless, touch-sensitive future.