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Apple may be preparing its boldest hardware shift yet. Rumors out of China suggest the iPhone 20 family — expected in 2027 to mark the iPhone's 20th anniversary — will drop every traditional physical button in favor of touch-sensitive, solid-state controls with localized haptic feedback.
Why Apple might go buttonless this time
We’ve heard whisperings about capacitive or solid-state buttons before, but they never made it into shipping iPhones. This latest report claims Apple is finally ready to replace the volume, power, and mute switches with seamless capacitive areas that simulate clicks using tiny, localized vibrations. Imagine a side rail that feels like a button when you press it — without any moving parts.
Solid-state buttons and localized haptics: what to expect
Solid-state controls work by sensing touch and applying haptic pulses to mimic the sensation of pressing a physical button. The rumored iPhone 20 implementation would localize those vibrations to the exact spot you touch, giving convincing tactile feedback while reducing mechanical failure points. That could improve durability and waterproofing — and it’s a clean, minimal look that fits Apple’s design language.
New camera sensor and a major redesign
Alongside the buttonless concept, leaks point to a significant camera-sensor change and an overall redesign to celebrate the milestone release. Apple often pairs major visual overhauls with anniversary models, so expect more than just hidden buttons: redesigned edges, reworked antenna lines, and camera upgrades could all arrive together.
What this means for users and the industry
If accurate, a buttonless iPhone 20 would nudge the industry further toward touch-first hardware and solid-state components. For users, the promise is cleaner aesthetics and improved reliability — but it also raises questions about tactile accessibility, repairability, and how third-party cases and accessories will adapt.
For now, treat these details as a developing story: Apple hasn’t confirmed anything yet, and we’ll likely see more leaks and analysis as 2027 approaches. Still, the idea of an anniversary iPhone without a single mechanical button is a striking preview of how smartphone hardware could evolve.
Source: gsmarena
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