iPhone 16 may get sensor surrogates instead of real buttons

The iPhone 16 and future models may get touch surrogates instead of real buttons. This is evidenced by data from online sources, according to which Apple has entered into an agreement with the Taiwanese manufacturer Advanced Semiconductor Engineering to supply system-in-a-package (SIP) capacitive modules for iPhone 16 series smartphones. These modules, known as Taptic Engine, will replace traditional physical buttons to touch analogues with tactile feedback.

According to MacRumors, Apple, according to sources, is going to replace both physical buttons with touch-sensitive analogues. The new buttons will be able to sense pressure and simulate the feel of a regular button thanks to a special mechanism that generates vibration.

However, it is worth noting that it is possible that it will not be the iPhone 16 that will receive new touch buttons, but later smartphones. It was previously reported that Apple planned to implement touch buttons in the iPhone 16, but due to technical problems the project was suspended. In addition, given that mass production of capacitive modules will begin in the third quarter of 2024, we can also conclude that the iPhone 17 will get new buttons, since the iPhone 16 is expected to be released in the fall of 2024.

The presence of regular buttons on smartphones in this series is also indicated by renderings published by insiders earlier.

What else do we know about the upcoming iPhone 16?

Almost the entire series will receive more capacious batteries than the iPhone 15: the capacity will increase by 2.5-6.3%, only for the iPhone 16 Plus it will for some reason decrease by 8.6%). Additionally, Apple may have to increase the amount of RAM in all iPhone 16 smartphones so that the built-in AI system can work.

The back panel and camera block will be slightly different from previous generations.