Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, or ASE, has reportedly won an exclusive order from Apple to supply two SiPs, or ‘system in a package’ for the upcoming iPhone 16 series. These chips will serve to replace both the volume and power buttons on the upcoming handsets, presenting capacitive buttons that will deliver extra functionality.
Last year, Apple only replaced the power button on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max with what the company calls the Action button. This small but paramount change not only allows users to power off their devices but also opens up a slew of functions based on how they interact with the button. With the changes supposedly arriving to the iPhone 16 family, Apple could take this functionality to the next level.
At least two SiPs will be required to integrate the internal components, such as capacitive buttons and Taptic Engines
With ASE having secured orders that are likely in the millions, UDN reports that the manufacturer is busy expanding production as it prepares to ship a boatload of components in the third quarter of this year. Although Apple is said to suffer a shipment decline this year as the iPhone 16 family will reportedly lack compelling features, the California-based giant will still ship its latest series in the millions, prompting ASE to upgrade its manufacturing facilities to meet demand.
These waves of orders will boost the supplier’s annual revenue while providing Apple with the components that will upgrade the iPhone 16’s capabilities. It is unclear what unique functionality the company will integrate into the volume buttons, but we have heard that the Action button on the upcoming models can be programmed as a camera shutter, making it similar to what Sony incorporates in its high-end Xperia series.
Of course, having more capacitive buttons on the phone can elevate the user experience, but we will have to wait for more updates to come through before we can learn how those volume buttons can operate on the iPhone 16. As always, we will have more details for you in the future, so stay tuned.
News Source: UDN
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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