Apple has long been rumored to introduce solid-state haptic buttons to its iPhones, but the feature has yet to materialize.
Initially expected for the iPhone 15 Pro, and later the iPhone 16 Pro, these advanced buttons never made it to production. While reports suggested Apple had put the project on hold, new information from China indicates that the tech giant is still refining the technology.
The primary challenge Apple faces with solid-state haptic buttons is preventing accidental touches. Unlike mechanical buttons, these rely on touch-sensitive feedback, which can register unintended inputs if a user brushes against them. Additionally, the responsiveness of these buttons has reportedly not met Apple’s high standards. Despite these hurdles, cost has never been a limiting factor in the development process.
Apple Focused on Improving Button Sensation and Reliability
Apple continues to refine the “tactile design” of the buttons, ensuring they provide a satisfying user experience similar to pressing physical buttons. The company also aims to maintain uniform performance across all devices that adopt this new technology.
Solid-state buttons offer several advantages. They eliminate mechanical wear, reducing the chances of failure over time. Their sealed design can improve water and dust resistance, potentially enhancing an iPhone’s durability. Additionally, these buttons could be programmed to perform different actions depending on the pressure applied—adding versatility to user interactions.
No Specific iPhone Model for Launch Yet
Despite ongoing development, Apple has not linked the technology to a specific iPhone model. The company’s focus remains on perfecting the buttons before deciding when to implement them. As a result, it’s uncertain if the iPhone 17 Pro or even later models will feature solid-state haptic buttons.
While Apple is known for its innovation, the company takes a meticulous approach to introducing new features. Until the solid-state buttons meet Apple’s performance expectations, their release remains speculative. For now, iPhone users should temper expectations, as this anticipated upgrade is still in the works.