Apple iPhone 18 Introduces Simplified Camera Control Button; iPhone 20 Upgrades to Haptic Controls Over Mechanical Buttons

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As the new iPhone 17 lineup makes its debut among consumers, the ever-turning rumor mill is now shifting focus to the upcoming iPhone 18 series and the highly anticipated iPhone 20, set to launch in 2027. This release will mark two decades since the introduction of the very first iPhone back in 2007.

Recent speculation suggests that Apple is streamlining its button design, beginning with the iPhone 18. It appears that the forthcoming model will introduce a simplified mechanical button option for camera controls, ultimately evolving into entirely solid-state buttons in the iPhone 20, which will incorporate haptic feedback to enhance user interaction.

Apple’s Transition to Simplified Button Technology

The iPhone 17 currently employs a camera control button designed with both capacitive and pressure sensors, situated under a sapphire crystal cover. However, a leaker known as Setsuna Digital on Weibo has reported that Apple intends to remove the capacitive induction element from the camera button in the iPhone 18, opting instead for a design that utilizes only a pressure-sensing layer.

Apple iPhone models with solid-state buttons are set for 2027 release, featuring local vibration feedback, as seen in the Weibo post screenshot. — Visual representation of Apple’s anticipated developments in camera control technology.

This design strategy is reminiscent of several Chinese smartphone manufacturers, such as Oppo with its X8 Ultra and Vivo with the X200 Ultra, both of which utilize pressure-sensitive sensors capable of detecting subtle taps, firm presses, and sliding motions.

What’s in Store for the iPhone 20?

Looking ahead to the iPhone 20, expected in 2027, Apple is projected to make significant shifts by implementing solid-state buttons for the following functions:

Volume controls
Power on/off
Camera operation

These solid-state buttons are anticipated to feature enhanced haptic feedback mechanisms, which would minimize wear and tear while also reducing repair costs. The aim is to provide users with a tactile experience comparable to pressing a traditional mechanical button, achieved through advanced haptic innovations.

It’s worth mentioning that the upcoming iPhone 20 is rumored to showcase a striking design, resembling a seamless glass slab with a display that elegantly curves around four edges—achieving a borderless aesthetic devoid of bezels or cutouts. Solid-state haptic buttons could play a crucial role in realizing this vision.

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