iPhone 16 to Include an Additional Capacitive 'Capture' Button

The iPhone 16 series is expected to gain an additional capacitive button, known internally as the "Capture Button." Codenamed "Project Nova," the button is likely to be one of the main selling points of the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup, assuming it gets past the initial testing phase. The Capture Button is located on the same side as the Power button, only positioned slightly lower - where the mmWave cutout can be found on more recent iPhone models. The mmWave cutout has been moved to the opposite side, located under the volume buttons. It is currently unknown what the new capacitive button will be used for.

iPhone 16 Side Feature
The Capture Button is expected to be a capacitive button rather than a standard mechanical one. Capacitive buttons, unlike mechanical buttons, do not move when pressed down. Instead, the button detects pressure and touch, providing haptic feedback through the use of haptic engines. The buttons are expected to work similarly to the Home Button on the ‌iPhone‌ SE, which mimics the press of a physical button through the built-in Taptic Engine. According to our sources, the capacitive buttons will feature force sensor functionality. Force sensors detect applied force, and convert the magnitude of force into electrical signals.

Early in the development of the iPhone 15 Pro, Apple experimented with capacitive buttons on the ‌iPhone‌ in the form of the since-canceled Bongo project. The Bongo module, unlike the Capture Button, consisted of capacitive Power and Volume buttons, and didn’t bring any additional buttons into the mix. Based on what we’ve heard from our sources, the Bongo module was canceled during the EVT stage of development, after unsatisfactory test results and a significant number of hardware issues. The cancelation left Apple engineers with ample room to reimagine the capacitive buttons for the ‌iPhone 16‌ series, with an entirely new twist this time around.

Unlike the Bongo project, the Capture Button is set to make its debut across the entire ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup, including the base model ‌iPhone 16‌ and 16 Plus. It is worth noting, though, that Apple also created a hardware configuration without the Capture Button button, possibly as a fallback variant in the event of continued hardware failure rates. The Capture Button has appeared on both eSIM-only units and devices with support for physical SIM card slots.

iPhone 16 Side 2 Feature
Along with the new Capture Button, the ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup is expected to gain a capacitive Action Button. Known as "Project Atlas," the haptic Action Button uses a design similar to the Capture Button, using strain gauges and reluctance motor to provide the necessary haptic feedback.

In addition to the Capture Button and upgraded Action Button, the base model ‌iPhone 16‌ is expected to feature a redesigned camera bump, with vertical camera arrangement akin to the ‌iPhone‌ 12. The Pro models are also set to feature an increase in screen size, from 6.1" and 6.7" to 6.3" and 6.9", respectively.

It is important to consider that the information presented here is pre-production information. The ‌iPhone 16‌ lineup is still in the early stages of development, and the design has not been finalized. Because of this, there is always a chance that we may not see the Capture Button on the final product.

For more details on what to expect, check out our rumor roundup page for iPhone 16.

Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro

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Top Rated Comments

strkt1192 Avatar
19 months ago

So happy I skipped the 15 Pro! Absolutely getting the 16 Pro. 15 was too similar to my 14 Pro.
Next year when rumors aren't real. "So happy I skipped the 16 Pro! Absolutely getting the 17 Pro. 16 was too similar to my 14 Pro."

If you want revolutionary upgrades, come back after 5 years.
Score: 81 Votes (Like | Disagree)
phill85 Avatar
19 months ago
So happy I skipped the 15 Pro! Absolutely getting the 16 Pro. 15 was too similar to my 14 Pro.
Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CIA Avatar
19 months ago
Enough on the 16, I want super vague iPhone 17 rumors!
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
19 months ago
Go Full Bongo! Bring Back Bongo!



Attachment Image
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goodthymes Avatar
19 months ago
I might be in the minority but I find the current location of the power button dumb and prone to mis-presses especially if you're using the opposite side for leverage to actuate the volume buttons.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JCCL Avatar
19 months ago
Buttons - the ultimate innovation! Next year: Apple bringing back a capacitive home button for iPhone 17 Pro.... Probably the iPhone 20 will look like an original iPhone, now we've come full circle.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)