iPhone 15 Pro Could Feature Solid-State Unified Volume Rocker, Mute Button Instead of Switch

[MacRumors]

Multiple rumors have indicated that a handful of design changes are coming to the iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max, but one that until now has gone under the radar is the possibility that the volume controls on the side of the device will be a single unified rocker button.

As noted by YouTuber ZoneOfTech on Twitter, Apple typically uses two pins to attach each button to the chassis, but in the latest renders based on leaked iPhone 15 Pro CAD drawings, only two pins are shown in a single indentation where the volume buttons usually sit. In contrast, CAD-based renders of the regular iPhone 15 show two separate slots with four pins in total.

In the course of making their own iPhone 15 Pro concept based on the leaked CADs, ZoneOfTech has become "100% sure" the iPhone 15 Pro will feature one long unified volume button rather than two separate ones. In addition, ZoneOfTech is just as certain that "the mute switch will also switch to a singular press button, rather than the up and down switch that we have now."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1631331606727208961

https://twitter.com/x/status/1631331615463882752

Rumors suggest Apple is adopting solid-state buttons with haptic feedback for the power and volume controls on its upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models, and it's beginning to look like a single unified solid-state volume button will detect touch on the top ("up") and bottom ("down") ends, and a haptic mute button will replace the classic switch.

It's unclear how the new haptic buttons will work through cases, especially if they require direct touch contact. Likewise, there will need to be solutions to accommodate device recovery in situations the ‌iPhone‌ may not be working as expected. On the plus side, solid-state button technology can improve protection against dust and water, since it doesn't need a physical depressing mechanic, but it does require extra hardware inside the iPhone.

Apple is rumored to be adding two additional Taptic Engines to the iPhone 15 Pro models to power the solid-state buttons. (Current iPhone models have a single Taptic Engine for haptic feedback.) The regular iPhone 15 models are expected to retain mechanical buttons.

Mute switch and unified volume rocker on iPhone 3GS (Image credit: iFixit)​

The original iPhone featured an externally unified volume rocker, or one long button raised at both ends. This button design remained on the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. For the iPhone 4, the rocker was replaced by two circular buttons, which were eventually changed to longer separate pill-shaped buttons on the iPhone 6. Variations on the pill shape have been used right up to the iPhone 14.

Do you have a button preference? Let us know in the comments. And for more on what to expect from the ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ models, check out our dedicated roundup with all of the rumors.

Update: 9to5Mac cites a source who confirmed the iPhone 15 Pro models will have a unified volume rocker and a mute button instead of a mute switch.

Article Link: iPhone 15 Pro Could Feature Solid-State Unified Volume Rocker, Mute Button Instead of Switch

 

[Jamie0003]

Wow, the mute button being a button instead of a switch is a game changer. This could mean automating muting the phone using Siri Shortcuts/focus modes! I have wanted software support for muting my iPhone for YEARS especially with focus modes being a thing

 

[ph001bi]

Do I have a button preference? Yes, I like when they work.

 

[19callum93]

Not sure how I feel about the mute switch changing. RIP.

 

[Treble]

Is this as innovative as it gets I hope not 😉

 

[goobot]

The whole point of the mute switch is fast an easy. It’s not fast and easy when you’re guessing if it is or isn’t muted

 

[User 6502]

Wow, the mute button being a button instead of a switch is a game changer. This could mean automating muting the phone using Siri Shortcuts/focus modes! I have wanted software support for muting my iPhone for YEARS especially with focus modes

It sure is a change… a bad one! Right now you can check that your phone is indeed muted without looking at the screen and with a glimpse to the side. If they remove the switch it will be far more likely that the phone starts making noise in an inappropriate moment embarrassing the owner.

 

[mystery hill]

Swipe up or down to adjust the volume, like the AirPods Pro 2nd gen.

 

[StellarVixen]

Yes, remove all tactile feedback everywhere, who needs sense of touch anyway.

Some things touted as “progress” are nothing but the change for the sake of change.

 

[Jamie0003]

It sure is a change… a bad one! Right now you can check that your phone is indeed muted without looking at the screen and with a glimpse to the side. If they remove the switch it will be far more likely that the phone starts making noise in an inappropriate moment embarrassing the owner.

I would prefer this than having to manually mute or unmute my phone throughout the day…with automations this isn’t an issue, like at all. There will probably be a software toggle in control centre as well

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

We hate it right up until September and then.., then we’re absolutely going to love it!

 

[timber]

Not the most important thing but I really like the current mute switch.

 

[jmgregory1]

Ditching the physical mute button should have happened years ago. And with Focus modes, muting should be automatic.

 

[StellarVixen]

Is this as innovative as it gets I hope not 😉

When there is nothing more to add, you start removing things and call it “progress”.

And you are really at the top of the game if you reintroduce what you removed some time in the future when your user base’s memory fades enough.

 

[Steve686]

The whole point of the mute switch is fast an easy. It’s not fast and easy when you’re guessing if it is or isn’t muted

If the screen on new phones can stay on, wouldn’t ‘mute’ be part of, the Lock Screen or any screen So you can verify with a glance? Same thing as glancing at a physical button, which you can’t see in the dark, but have to feel.

 

[mystery hill]

A mute button would allow automation of muting with focus modes or other conditions.

The status could be shown on the always on display.

You can also check whether the phone is muted, or mute it, by asking Siri when using AirPods, without having to take the phone out of your pocket.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

They remove simple buttons and have to install much more complex tactic engines to compensate for that. Seems like a solution in search of a problem.

 

[contacos]

I personally don’t like this on my Samsung device already. I always mistake it with the power on / wake button

 

[Sciomar]

Get rid of more open ports and switches, solid state and wireless charging are the way to go.

 

[jimbobb24]

Nice clicky buttons are usually a much better experience. Especially buttons you want to use without looking or in your pocket. We will see how it works.

 

[heystu]

“Almost 100% sure…”

Then…you’re not 100% sure…

 

[Corsig]

People complain about having the same form factor for several years until they are given a new form factor

 

[xxray]

It’ll be a bit sad to see the mute switch go. My only concern is accidentally toggling it more often since a button is easier to accidentally hit than a switch.

 

[somnolentsurfer]

Haptic buttons I really couldn't care about. I was doubtful about the haptic home button and that haptic track pad, and both turned out beautifully. But dropping the mute switch seems like an absolute no no to me. The mute switch was one of the best, and most overlooked, UI decisions about the original iPhone. You can tell which way it's set, and turn it on or off, inside your pocket, without taking your phone out. The inability to do that was a massive problem with phones at the time. Please Apple, don't take us back to taking our phones out at the start of meetings/movies/etc, and fumbling around to make sure things are set right.

 

[orbital~debris]

I'm not passing judgement on new button technology that's surely coming to iPhone.

But I can say with certainty that the current ringer switch is incredibly nice – so tactile, very pleasing to use, and the flash of orange is great.