Recent rumors suggest that Apple may have abandoned its plans to introduce solid-state buttons in the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro models. However, it is expected that the devices will still come equipped with a customizable “Action” button, replacing the conventional Ring/Silent switch.
The team at 9to5mac has reportedly acquired a more intricate set of CAD images from a highly reliable source that corroborate the latest rumors about the iPhone 15 Pro models. These images reveal two significant alterations.
Apple-certified accessory makers are reportedly collaborating with CADs that depict the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max having two mechanical volume buttons and an extra mechanical button that will take the place of the Ring/Silent switch. Users will be able to customize the new button by assigning it to perform various system functions such as Ring/Silent, Do Not Disturb, or Flashlight, similar to the “Action” button found on the Apple Watch Ultra. This information comes from 9to5Mac, who obtained detailed CAD images from a reliable source.
Instead of physical movement, solid-state buttons rely on haptic feedback to create the sensation of pressing a button. However, the latest rumors suggest that Apple has postponed its plans for solid-state buttons on iPhone 15 Pro models, with the traditional mechanical buttons remaining in place. According to Apple analyst Jeff Pu, this delay is due to design issues that were encountered during iPhone 15 Pro development, and solid-state buttons may instead debut on the iPhone 16 Pro next year.
The Ring/Silent switch has been a staple feature on every iPhone model since its inception in 2007, and its removal for the iPhone 15 Pro models would still represent a notable change. However, it appears that the switch will still be present on the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models, as the rumored “Action” button is said to be exclusive to the Pro models.
The updated CADs also reveal that the rear camera bump on the iPhone 15 Pro models will be slightly larger than the previous models, but the individual protrusions will be smaller and less comical.
Initially, early CADs and schematics of the iPhone 15 Pro models showed a camera bump that was incredibly large, with individual protrusions that were larger than the entire camera bump on the current iPhone 14 Pro. However, updated CADs have revealed a more reasonable design, with a camera bump that is still larger but with less exaggerated protrusions.
According to the latest CAD images obtained by 9to5Mac, the iPhone 15 Pro Max will have a slightly larger camera bump, which supports rumors that the device will feature a periscope zoom lens. However, the smaller iPhone 15 Pro model is not expected to have this feature.
Apple typically announces its new iPhone models in September, and the iPhone 15 lineup is expected to follow this tradition. However, as with any unconfirmed information, it’s important to take these rumors with a grain of salt until Apple makes an official announcement.
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