Apple is reportedly developing a comprehensive solid-state button system to replace traditional mechanical components on the 20th anniversary iPhone, expected in 2027. According to the leaker “Instant Digital,” this “iPhone XX” could represent the most significant design shift since the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017.
The Resurgence of Project Bongo
The transition to haptic buttons has a complex history within Apple’s development cycle:
- Previous Setbacks: Initially dubbed “Project Bongo,” these buttons were reportedly planned for the iPhone 15 Pro before being cancelled late in the process, and were later rumoured for the iPhone 16 Pro before being shelved.
- Expanded Scope: Recent claims suggest the project is now active across Apple’s entire product line, including the iPad and Apple Watch.
- Functional Verification: The latest design has reportedly completed functional verification, covering the Side, volume, Action, and Camera Control buttons.
Seamless Design and Haptic Innovation
The proposed solid-state system aims to eliminate physical movement while maintaining a tactile feel:
- Mechanical Durability: By integrating buttons directly into the frame with zero physical movement, Apple can reduce mechanical wear and tear.
- Pressure Sensitivity: Users may be able to differentiate between light and firm presses to trigger distinct software functions.
- AI-Enhanced Feedback: To simulate a “real” button feel, Apple is speculated to be testing a vibration-based sound system using the device’s frame, supported by an AI sound compensation algorithm.
A Vision for a “Slab of Glass”
This hardware shift supports broader rumours of a completely borderless device:
- Wraparound Display: Apple is reportedly working on a screen that curves down around all four edges, creating a “slab of glass” aesthetic with no bezels or cutouts.
- Removing Design Liabilities: Mechanical buttons require physical openings in the chassis, which become liabilities in a seamless design; solid-state buttons resolve this tension.
- Contextual Interaction: A wraparound display could allow button zones to illuminate or change behaviour based on the specific app or context in use.
While these developments offer a compelling look at the future of the iPhone, “Project Bongo” currently remains an unconfirmed rumour pending further corroboration.
