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20th Anniversary iPhone Could Blend Haptic Buttons Into Curved Edges

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For the rumored 20th-anniversary iPhone, Apple continues to test a solid-state haptic button system that will replace traditional mechanical buttons and enhance the uninterrupted look of the device's display, claims Chinese leaker "Instant Digital."

Mostly-Screen-iPhone-Purple-Feature-2027.jpg

According to the Weibo-based leaker, the buttons have already passed tests for use when wearing gloves or having wet hands, in extreme temperatures, and when the phone has a case on.

The leaker also claims that the 20th-anniversary iPhone will be equipped with an ultra-low energy microprocessor allowing the solid-state buttons to remain functional even when the handset is powered off or the battery has run out.

It's not the first time Instant Digital has said solid-state buttons will feature on the device. The leaker made the same claim in October 2025, saying that Apple's solution would include haptic feedback for the Side button, volume buttons, Action button, and Camera Control button.

Apple is reportedly working on a display that curves down around all four edges of the device for a borderless visual experience - and solid-state haptic buttons could help in Apple's apparent desire to create a device that looks like a slab of glass with no cutouts and no bezels.

That said, Apple's adoption of solid-state buttons has been repeatedly rumored for an iPhone, but with nothing to show for it. Back in 2022, several reports suggested Apple intended to bring solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 as part of "Project Bongo." However, the plan was reportedly canceled at a late stage. They were then rumored to come to the iPhone 16 Pro, before being shelved indefinitely.

In the same Weibo post, the leaker went on to list other features that have been repeatedly rumored for the 2027 device, such as a dual-layer OLED panel, under-display Face ID, and an under-display front-facing camera. They also mentioned a 6,000mAh battery, under-display audio (eliminating the earpiece slit), reverse wireless charging, and a next-generation Ceramic Shield - although it's unclear whether these last few items are more of a wish list of features rather than being based on new supply chain information.

Instant Digital has a generally good track record for Apple rumors and has provided some accurate information ahead of time, such as the imminent launch of 2023's Yellow iPhone 14, as well as the frosted back glass of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

The 20th anniversary iPhone will presumably come out in the fall of 2027.

Article Link: 20th Anniversary iPhone Could Blend Haptic Buttons Into Curved Edges
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/05/20th-anniversary-iphone-haptic-buttons/
No using your phone with gloves, or when it's cold outside, or with dirty hands.

The disconnect between large tech company management and real life is not a gap, it's becoming an ocean.
 
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Reactions: Le0M and clg82
Apple's first-generation products are probably better than most, but I'm leaning towards getting the 18 Pro this fall, and letting the early adopters work through bugs / challenges.
 
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Reactions: mjs916
Oh that display really makes me cringe.

Though just announced by Samsung at
SID Display Week today, the latest OLED smartphone technology called Flex Chroma Pixel, has up to 3000 nits and 96% BT.2020 color coverage.

It also unveiled a 6.8-inch 500ppi OLED panel with built-in Organic Photodiodes (OPD) for measuring heart rate and blood pressure when the user touches the display…

Interesting.
 
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I can't even remember how often I've already read articles about this virtual haptics buttons on this site...
 
It could also come with free toaster with every checking account opened. I got a feeling this phone is going to have none of these "wows." It would be a really good time for a "wow" release vs slight refinements every year, but over a year away? Might as well say its rumored to have a bagel option 😛
 
I just can’t see an advantage to this at all. Even if they make it work with gloves, it sounds like you would have a hard time locating them without eyes on the device, so reaching in your pocket and tweaking something (like alert sound mute) seems impossible. Solid state or touch sensitive buttons have already been used in the automotive industry and customers have overwhelmingly rejected them. Some manufacturers have announced they are going back to mechanical buttons.

I just wish Apple would prioritize function over form once in a blue moon.
 
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Instead of questionable gimmicks like that, it would be better if they’d make the buttons more useful, for example by giving the volume buttons a different shape again like on the iPhone 4 and 5, and enabling the action button to be used in a push-to-talk like fashion (starting a function immediately with the button press and stopping it with the button release).
 
Samplasion said:
From the article:

According to the Weibo-based leaker, the buttons have already passed tests for use when wearing gloves or having wet hands, in extreme temperatures, and when the phone has a case on.
Click to expand...
Have the buttons passed the test for not activating inadvertently when somebody holds their phone its edges? I know, I know, that'll only happen if I am holding it wrong. 🙄 Yet it happens now even with mechanical buttons.

Moreover, I wonder how a solid state button would work through a case. Usually solid state controls are based on capacitance and insulators like gloves and cases attenuate that signal (imagine having a case and wearing gloves, as I often do...). Also having dry hands (not wet ones) would attenuate a capacitance signal.

EDIT:
HaHaRich! said:
The durability comes at a cost, specifically Aluminum can conduct heat away from the inside of the phone to the outside up to 10x faster.
Click to expand...
The use aluminium for heat management combined with titanium for rigidity.
 
More curious (whilst retaining a healthy scepticism) about this iPhone XX than any Ultra/Fold rubbish.

If it echoes even half the palpable design advances the iPhone X had, then it’ll be a long overdue buy from me.

It’s the only recent iPhone news that has my iPhone 15 Pro Max (titanium au naturel) say “ok, come at me bro”.
 
Yes please.

And I wonder if this is the iPhone that Liquid Glass was meant to be for, but Apple rushed it out to detract everyone from how bad their AI rollout has been?

If so, unfortunately that didn't work out very well.

No one is distracted from how bad their AI rollout has been and Liquid Glass is mostly distracting (and I'm being polite here).
 
Mr_Ed said:
Solid state or touch sensitive buttons have already been used in the automotive industry and customers have overwhelmingly rejected them. Some manufacturers have announced they are going back to mechanical buttons.
Click to expand...
Those decisions were made to cut costs pure and simple, alongside the general degradation in quality materials and design. Most obvious in multi-function steering wheels. Audi being the worst culprit.

Can’t see that being replicated in a high profile, flagship even (which the X was, launched alongside the 8) iPhone.
 
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