60%
Plausible
Apple is reportedly working on iPhone Pro protective cases that integrate an in-built, touch-sensitive layer, unlocking tantalizing future design possibilities.
Instant Digital: Apple's protective cases will serve as a "second-layer touch interface" for the future iPhone Pro models
To wit, the Weibo-based tipster, Instant Digital, is out with a delicious scoop today, noting that Apple is apparently working on official protective cases for the future iPhone Pro [and Pro Max] models that will feature an in-built, touch-sensitive layer, unlocking tantalizing possibilities.
Of course, Apple already filed a patent application back in 2024, describing protective cases with capacitive or pressure-based sensors to serve as an impetus for specific actions. The patent notes:
"The electronic device, upon detecting the presence of the case, can disable one or more buttons and perform actions corresponding to the buttons when signals are received from the case."
This comes as Apple is presumably moving towards eliminating physical buttons entirely with the iPhone 20 lineup, which is expected to debut in 2027. The iPhone 18 lineup is likely to adopt a less complicated mechanical button for camera control, which will be replaced entirely by solid-state buttons in the iPhone 20, equipped with haptics for user feedback.
Specifically, Instant Digital reported previously that Apple is likely to eliminate the capacitive induction layer within the camera control button of next year's iPhone 18 lineup, retaining only a pressure-sensing layer.
Then, with the iPhone 20, Apple is likely to transition towards solid-state buttons for camera control, volume keys, and power on/off function, replete with a haptic feedback mechanism.
Given the absence of physical keys in the iPhone 20 lineup, it makes sense that Apple is working on introducing pressure sensors within its official cases, thereby eliminating the need to physically remove the cases to use the iPhone 20's solid-state buttons.
About the author: Writing is my one incontrovertible passion. Over the past six years, he has authored over 2,200 distinct articles on financial and tech-related topics, spanning nearly 1 million words. And he has been a member of Wcctech mobile team since 2025. As an alumnus of the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce Program, I bring nuance, in-depth knowledge, and a unique perspective to every topic that I cover. When I'm not writing, I'm traveling the world, exploring hidden confectionaries and restaurants as an aspiring food connoisseur.
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