Apple’s 20th Anniversary iPhone May Finally Replace Mechanical Buttons With Solid-State Haptic Controls
Apple is reportedly preparing a major design revolution for its 20th anniversary iPhone, expected to launch in 2027. According to the Chinese leaker Instant Digital, the tech giant is developing a solid-state button system to replace traditional mechanical buttons completely — a move that could redefine how users interact with the iPhone.
The Return of Project Bongo
The idea of haptic or solid-state buttons isn’t entirely new. Back in 2022, multiple reports claimed Apple was working on the technology under an internal project known as “Project Bongo.” At the time, the feature was rumored for the iPhone 15 Pro, but the plan was reportedly canceled at the final stage. Later, similar rumors surfaced about the iPhone 16 Pro, but the development was again postponed.
However, the latest leaks suggest Apple has revived the project and is now targeting the 2027 iPhone, also referred to as the “iPhone XX.” If true, this model could feature the most dramatic hardware redesign since the iconic iPhone X in 2017.
How Solid-State Buttons Work
Unlike traditional buttons that physically move when pressed, solid-state haptic buttons rely on advanced haptic feedback technology to simulate the feel of a real click. This system uses built-in sensors and vibration motors to produce precise tactile sensations.
According to Instant Digital, Apple has already completed functional verification of the new system. The solid-state design reportedly covers the Side button, volume controls, Action button, and a newly added Camera Control button.
These buttons could even recognize different pressure levels — allowing users to perform multiple functions depending on whether they tap lightly or press firmly.
Why Apple Is Making the Change
Solid-state buttons offer several benefits. They reduce mechanical wear and tear, eliminate moving parts, and improve durability — all while enabling a sleeker, uninterrupted frame design. Most importantly, they fit perfectly into Apple’s rumored “all-screen” iPhone design that features no visible cutouts, bezels, or physical openings.
By removing mechanical components, Apple can design a phone that looks like a single seamless slab of glass, with a wraparound display that curves down all four edges. This could create a futuristic user experience where the screen itself blends into the edges, forming interactive zones that change visually based on context.
A New Era of Interaction
Instant Digital also hinted that Apple might integrate a vibration-based sound system within the frame or back panel, paired with an AI-driven sound compensation algorithm. This setup could make button presses sound and feel authentic — even though nothing actually moves.
If this rumor turns out to be true, it could mark a major shift in smartphone design philosophy, making the iPhone 2027 not just an upgrade, but a complete reinvention of how we experience physical interaction on a phone.
While these claims are still unverified, the return of Project Bongo and Apple’s focus on solid-state technology indicate something big is coming. If Apple succeeds, the iPhone XX might become the first iPhone to completely eliminate mechanical buttons — pushing the company’s minimalist design vision to new heights.
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