iPhone 15 Pro Max Prototype Suggests Apple Scrapped Haptic Buttons

Apple was reportedly considering using haptic buttons for its iPhone 15 Pro Max, as revealed by leaked prototype images of the model.

Apple reportedly created prototypes of the new buttons, but technological concerns caused the corporation to abandon the concept and return to traditional buttons. Apple is looking at solid-state buttons for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models.

In January, Apple allegedly tested four button configurations: a unified volume button with a tiny Action Button, a combined volume button with a big Action Button with a Capture Button, and distinct volume keys with a large Action Click and a Capture Button flush with the frame.

Later, prototypes of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max replaced the haptic buttons with mechanical ones. The Action button, which launches a pre-selected activity with a single press, has always been mechanical; the only modification was to make it rounder and broader.

The haptic buttons being evaluated for the iPhone 15 Pro series were supposed to provide tactile feedback and a clicking sound when pressed.

Because the haptic feedback was felt when the button was released, the user had the impression he was using a mechanical button. The user could feel the button's feedback if the phone had enough charge to show the charging indication.

iOS 19 is Already in Development

Another exciting yet played-out rumor for Apple is that the iPhone maker is already developing its future operating system, iOS 19.

Hearing that Apple is already working on iOS 19 while iOS 18 is still being developed fits the company's plan nicely. Even though the iPhone 16 has yet to be released, the iPhone 17 is currently in development. This insight is critical now, given the launch of Apple Intelligence.

According to sources, Apple's next-generation operating system will be strongly integrated with its new AI suite, which will be introduced at WWDC in 2024. This AI package, branded Apple Intelligence, is expected to be a big revenue generator for Apple.

According to another source, watchOS 12 (Nepali), macOS 16 (Cheer), and visionOS 3 (Discovery) are also on the way.

Apple Intelligence Plans

Apple initially had no plans to charge consumers for its AI apps and services. However, the necessity for more modern technology to operate these AI capabilities will most certainly cause people to switch to newer devices.

For example, Apple Intelligence in iOS 18 will require an iPhone 15 Pro or above. Those not owning last year's Pro versions must purchase a new iPhone this fall. Future Mac and iPad versions will likely have similar hardware requirements.

This background is critical as Apple prepares to launch iOS 19 and the iPhone 17 hardware. Early development assures that next year's iPhone will be able to handle the most recent AI capabilities and developments.