According to a recent report by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max might have to launch with regular physical buttons instead of solid-state buttons, due to unresolved technical issues.
The rumor mill had previously suggested that the volume rocker and the alert slider of the iPhone 15 Pro series would move away from the classic clickable button and become capacitive touch buttons instead, like the home button on older iPhones. However, Kuo’s report indicates that technical issues might prevent this from happening.
While this decision might have an impact on some suppliers, such as Cirrus Logic, which was expected to manufacture the dedicated microprocessor for the new buttons, it is unlikely to affect mass production significantly.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro dummy models have already been revealed, showing tweaks to the button layout on the side and a USB-C port on the bottom. However, as the products are still in the EVT Development stage (the internal validation and testing period), the decision might be reverted, and the new technology might still be included in the final product.
If the decision stands and the new iPhones launch with regular buttons, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on mass production, and the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models should still arrive on schedule. As always, Apple fans and enthusiasts will have to wait and see what happens when the new iPhones are finally unveiled.
