iPhone 20 Leak: All Physical Buttons Set for Haptic Replacement
Apple is reportedly planning one of its most radical design shifts since the original iPhone X for its 20th-anniversary model, the iPhone 20, expected to launch in 2027. According to information shared by a prominent leaker on Chinese social media, Apple is set to eliminate every physical button on the device, replacing them entirely with a solid-state system driven by advanced haptics. This move is part of the long-rumored “Project Bongo” and aims to create a truly seamless, unbroken piece of glass.
The End of Mechanical Buttons
The leak, reportedly translated from a post by tipster Instant Digital, claims that the solid-state button scheme has successfully completed functional verification and is scheduled for mass production in time for the iPhone 20’s 2027 release.
The buttons to be replaced include:
- The Power/Side button.
- The Volume controls.
- The Action button.
- The Camera Control button.
These traditional mechanical controls will be substituted with pressure-sensitive, solid-state areas built directly into the phone’s frame. Pressing these areas will be simulated by local vibration feedback from internal haptic motors, mimicking the feel of a real click without any actual movement.
Design Benefits and Phased Rollout
The switch to haptic buttons is highly strategic and aligns with other rumors about the iPhone 20’s groundbreaking design.
- Seamless Form: The buttonless design complements claims that the iPhone 20 will feature an all-glass, wrap-around display with no cutouts and minimal bezels. Eliminating physical openings in the chassis helps achieve a pristine, uninterrupted aesthetic and improves water resistance. Â
- Durability and Longevity: By removing moving mechanical parts, Apple eliminates components prone to wear and tear, potentially increasing the device’s lifespan and reducing repair costs. Â
- Project Bongo Revival: The technology, which was once rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro and later the iPhone 16 Pro before being reportedly canceled due to technical challenges (like false touch recognition), appears to have overcome its major hurdles.
The transition to a fully haptic system is rumored to begin earlier with the iPhone 18 (2026). The Camera Control button is expected to be simplified in that model by removing its capacitive sensing layer, retaining only the pressure-sensing function before being fully converted to the new haptic system on the iPhone 20.
If successful, this technology could be expanded across Apple’s product line, including the iPad and Apple Watch, completely redefining how users interact with their devices across the globe.
Source: 9to5mac
