The next-gen ‘Pro’ models of iPhone – the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 ProMax – were expected to have some nifty design changes. Rumors were that iPhone 15 Pro models would ditch the physical buttons for solid-state power and volume buttons. However, that may not be happening anymore, suggests an analyst.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will not come with solid-state buttons anymore as the iPhone maker has run into “unresolved technical issues” before mass production could begin.
The analyst previously said that the iPhone 15 Pro models would feature solid-state buttons, ditching the physical buttons. He further added that the upcoming Pro iPhone models would have two extra Taptic Engines to provide haptic feedback, simulating the feel of pressing buttons, much similar to how the Touch ID or the trackpad on the newer iPhones and MacBooks work.
“My latest survey indicates that due to unresolved technical issues before mass production, both high-end iPhone 15 Pro models (Pro & Pro Max) will abandon the closely-watched solid-state button design and revert to the traditional physical button design,” wrote Kuo in his latest research note.
As per the analyst, the changes in design will not affect mass production or shipments, as the iPhone 15 series is still in the EVT phase.
Another analyst, Jeff Pu of Haitong Tech, had previously said iPhone 15 Pro might not have the solid-state buttons after all.
As per supply chain sources, Apple has scrapped plans to implement solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro models because of the complex design. The analyst notes that the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models will continue with the same volume button design we have seen on past iPhones.
Pu says that the new solid-state buttons would require not two but three Haptic Engines, which has introduced some complexities. So, the solid-state buttons may not come to the 2024 iPhone models.