Will the iPhone 16 Feature Taptic Buttons?

While it was rumored that the iPhone 15 Pro models would be equipped with solid-state buttons, the devices ended up launching with traditional mechanical buttons. Attention has now shifted to whether the solid-state buttons will still happen with the iPhone 16 lineup next year, but there are conflicting rumors so far, as outlined below.

iPhone 16 Side 2 Feature
For context, solid-state buttons would provide haptic feedback when pressed to simulate the feeling of movement, similar to the Home button on the iPhone SE and the Force Touch trackpad on modern MacBooks. On the other hand, mechanical buttons actually move when pressed. All of the buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models are mechanical, including the new Action button that provides quick access to an assigned function.

Benefits of solid-state buttons could include fewer mechanical parts that can break and improved water resistance. Solid-state buttons could also potentially sit flush with the iPhone's frame, allowing for a more seamless design.

Multiple analysts and a leaker claimed that Apple had tested solid-state buttons on prototype iPhone 15 Pro models, but the company apparently decided not to move forward with the change before mass production started due to "technical issues."

Apple supplier Cirrus Logic seemingly confirmed that the solid-state buttons had been canceled earlier this year, and it has seemingly touched on the topic again. In a shareholder letter this week, the supplier shared the following information:

Finally, during the quarter we completed the disposition of wafers associated with a new high-performance mixed-signal (HPMS) product that was previously expected to ship this year. As anticipated, the disposition did not have a material financial impact.

In an email, an equity research analyst at British bank Barclays informed us that Cirrus Logic disposed of these wafers due to Apple canceling the solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models. The devices were expected to have additional Taptic Engines that provided haptic feedback when the buttons were pressed, and Cirrus Logic was expected to supply Apple with haptic drivers that would have enabled this functionality.

The analyst also told us that they do not expect iPhone 16 models to be equipped with solid-state buttons, given that Cirrus Logic has disposed of its related inventory for the project, but MacRumors contributor Marko Zivkovic believes otherwise. Last month, Zivkovic reported that the entire iPhone 16 lineup will be equipped with solid-state Action and "Capture" buttons. The purpose of the "Capture" button remains unknown, and he cautioned that Apple's plans could once again change as development progresses.

Zivkovic said the "Capture" button would be located below the power button on the right side of the iPhone 16 models, should it materialize. As a result, he said the mmWave 5G antenna window on iPhone 16 models sold in the U.S. would be moved to the left side of the devices, below the volume buttons. This rumor was seemingly corroborated this week by a leaker on Chinese social media platform Weibo, but it is unclear if the account independently confirmed the information, or if it was simply repeating the details shared by Zivkovic.

All in all, rumors about solid-state buttons for the iPhone 16 lineup do not align right now, with some sources expecting them and others not. As the launch of the devices next September draws closer, Apple's plans should become clearer.

Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

JCCL Avatar
22 months ago
"Improved water resistance" An Apple Watch Ultra has mechanical buttons and you can go diving with it. How much can it really improve?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
syklee26 Avatar
22 months ago
How do you reset if they are haptic?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Devnul0 Avatar
22 months ago
What's with the idea of possibly adding another button on the right or left side? It's already nearly impossible to do a lot of things with one hand because of having the buttons directly across from each other they get pressed when one tries to hold the phone, and I have far too many screenshots of my lock screen. Put the damned power button back on top where it belongs!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
yabeweb Avatar
22 months ago

The same way you do now long press volume up and the power button to use the slider to shut off or tap volume up volume down and long press the power button to force restart
Being haptic means it is software based...so if the sowftare is stuck.....

I am against haptic as they offer no real value it's just to tout it as a difference, but there is no advantage in having a button turned into a non button.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
danbalsh Avatar
22 months ago
I could see this being interesting if it included force touch. So press for mute, deep press for camera, press and hold for shortcut etc...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jamezr Avatar
22 months ago
Sorry but no buttons is a no buy for me personally.....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)