Apple has reportedly abandoned adding solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro due to production issues.
Solid-state buttons were expected for iPhone 15 Pro
Multiple reliable sources suggested that the mute switch, volume, and power buttons would be replaced by solid-state components in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This controversial change would improve device watertight integrity and add new gestures.
However, a new report from Ming-Chi Kuo states that Apple has abandoned the solid-state buttons due to technical issues. This change comes during the EVT development stage, which gives the company time to make final hardware decisions like this.
Since Apple will revert the design to its physical buttons, this should reduce complexity and simplify development, according to Kuo. The last-minute change will have a limited impact on mass production or shipping schedules.
This report arrived only moments after Jeff Pu, an analyst at Hong Kong-based investment firm Haitong International Securities, made a similar declaration. It seems likely that the solid-state buttons were indeed planned but won't be implemented now.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 Pro during an event in September 2023. It could feature a rounded titanium frame with a new periscope telephoto lens.