According to recent reports, there have been rumors about the next generation of iPhones, specifically the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, having new features and significant changes. However, it appears that Apple may be canceling some of its plans, at least for one major change, due to unresolved technical issues.
Ming-Chi Kuo, a reputable Apple analyst, had previously suggested that the iPhone 15 Pro models would feature solid-state buttons, with haptic feedback provided by two additional taptic engines within the device. This would give users the sensation of pressing physical buttons, without the buttons actually moving, similar to the home button on the iPhone 7 and the force touch trackpads on newer MacBooks.
According to a recent article on Medium, Kuo stated that the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models, including the Pro and the Pro Max, will feature physical buttons instead of the previously rumored solid-state button. This change is reportedly due to technical issues that have not been resolved before mass production. It appears that the highly anticipated solid-state button design will not be present in these models.
At this time, it is uncertain whether the traditional design mentioned in the previous statement will feature the usual two volume buttons or the previously rumored single elongated volume button that would have worked with the haptic engine.
It is possible for Apple to make adjustments to the design of the iPhone 15 Pro models as they are still in the Engineering Validation Test (EVT) development phase. These modifications should not significantly affect the production timeline or the delivery of the final products.
Other analysts have corroborated this information and are proposing that the solid-state buttons may not be included until the release of the iPhone 16 Pro models, which is expected to take place in the autumn of 2024.