Apple working to remove mechanical buttons from iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch

Apple Watch Ultra’s customizable Action button in high-contrast international orange
A rumor from China suggests Apple is developing solid-state buttons with haptic feedback for not only the iPhone but also future iPad and Apple Watch models.
Tim Hardwick for MacRumors:
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Back in 2022, several reports suggested that Apple intended to bring solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 as part of “Project Bongo.” Solid-state haptic buttons reduce mechanical wear, while enabling users to differentiate between a light press and a firm press to trigger different functions. However, the plan was reportedly canceled at a late stage. They were then rumored to come to the iPhone 16 Pro, before being shelved indefinitely.
Or that’s what was believed at the time. It appears that Apple never fully dropped the idea, if Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital is correct. Last month, the leaker claimed Apple was still investigating haptic buttons for a future iPhone. And today the account has doubled down on the claim, saying the project is not just active for the iPhone, but for Apple’s “entire product line,” including iPad and Apple Watch.

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MacDailyNews Take: As anyone who’s used Apple’s Force Touch trackpad on a MacBook knows, it’s magical when done well. It can also be a great aid for removing weight (no hinge mechanism required) and for liquid ingress resistance.

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