iPhone 15 Pro models may feature solid-state power and volume buttons, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Kuo explained in a tweet that the volume and power buttons on next year’s two high-end iPhone models could adopt a solid-state design, similar to the iPhone 7’s home button, replacing a physically pressed mechanical button design.
Apple uses a similar method for its Mac trackpads, which they do not physically move and simply mimic the feeling of being pressed with small vibrations.
The new iPhones will feature additional Taptic Engines on the left and right sides inside to provide feedback to users, making it look like they are pressing physical buttons. The change means that the number of Taptic Engines on each iPhone will increase from one to three.
Apple has been rumored to have been planning to switch the Apple Watch to solid-state buttons for several years now, but the change never happened. At the time, it was said that solid-state buttons would improve water resistance and take up less internal space, but it’s unclear if that would be the case for the iPhone, as it would need enough space for two more Taptic Engines.
In an additional thread, Kuo said that “The buttonless design and the switch to USB-C are two of the biggest upgrades to the iPhone 15.”