It was initially rumored that the iPhone 15 Pro models would launch with solid-state Volume and Power buttons. However, due to technical issues, the company potentially scrapped its plans for next year. It was reported earlier that the iPhone 16 Pro models could house Capacitive Volume, Power, and the Action Button. According to the latest, Apple plans to add another Capacitive button, other than the Action Button, on the iPhone 16 Pro models.
iPhone 16 lineup to launch with extra 'Capacitive' button along with solid-state Action, Power, and Volume Buttons
According to information from Weibo leaker Instant Digital, next year's iPhone 16 Pro models could be equipped with an additional capacitive button. The leaker coins that there is a "great chance" the 'Pro' models could rock a capacitive button on the right side of the device, which will sit flush with the frame. To make it happen, the company will reposition the mmWave antenna to the left side of the device.
While the extra button would sit flush with the frame, the Action Button, Volume Buttons, and Power Button would protrude, similar to how the current models look. However, Apple could adopt a solid-state approach for the protruded buttons. Instant Digital states that these buttons are not solid-state at this stage, but Apple could change its plans. The company may be testing multiple prototypes of the device with the extra capacitive button on one device and the solid-state buttons on the other. This means that the iPhone 16 Pro models could launch with solid-state buttons and a capacitive button.
This is not the first time we have heard details of a capacitive button for the iPhone 16 Pro. It was previously reported that the iPhone 16 Pro could use the capacitive touch technology for a new 'Capture Button.' At this point, there is no information available on the purpose of the button. Apple could be working on a dedicated camera shutter button for the iPhone, or it could be a dedicated shortcut button. However, these are mere speculations at this stage, as the final word rests with Apple.
The capacitive button will rest under the Power button while the mmWave antenna will shift below the Action and the Volume buttons. Apple would also have to make various changes to the internal design of the device. Additionally, it is speculated that the capacitive button will be available on the standard and the 'Pro' models of the 2024 iPhone. Note that the iPhone 16 launch is over ten months away, and the company could change its plans.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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