Apple’s plans for its 2024 iPhone 16 models are already generating buzz, and the latest leaks indicate a surprising twist. It appears that Apple may have abandoned its controversial iPhone 15 Pro upgrade, putting an end to the speculation surrounding this particular feature.
Haitong International Securities tech analyst, Jeff Pu, who previously confirmed the price increases for the iPhone 15, has now revealed that the highly debated solid-state volume buttons may not make an appearance in the iPhone 16 models. This contradicts earlier leaks, which suggested that Apple had delayed the feature due to technical challenges during mass production.
Initially, solid-state buttons were expected to be part of the iPhone 15 lineup. Apple supplier Cirrus Logic hinted at the technology in leaks to shareholders, but later updates indicated that it would not be released as planned.
Solid-State Volume Buttons and their Advantages
Solid-state volume buttons differ from traditional buttons as they do not physically move when pressed. Instead, they provide haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of button movement. This technology has been previously used in the Home button of the iPhone 7 and the Force Touch trackpad on newer MacBooks.
These buttons offer several advantages, including a reduction in moving parts, which minimizes the risk of mechanical failure. Additionally, they enhance water resistance by eliminating potential entry points for water.
However, opinions on this technology are divided. Early iPhone 15 CADs depicted flush volume buttons that could be difficult to locate and press intuitively, and they also supported custom swipe gestures. Some users felt that this functionality was unnecessary complexity. Although the flush volume buttons will not be included in the final release, one solid-state button will remain—an Action Button that can be customized to replace the mute switch on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models.
Leaked Details of iPhone 16 Pro Models
Pu’s leak is not the only information to surface about the iPhone 16. Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants and a reliable industry insider, revealed last month that Apple intends to increase the display sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
According to Young, the iPhone 16 Pro will feature a 6.3-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max will boast a larger 6.9-inch screen. This increase in size for the smaller Pro model is expected to accommodate a periscope optical zoom lens, a feature that is believed to be unfeasible for the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro chassis this year.
On a hardware level, larger iPhones offer clear benefits, such as more space for larger batteries, improved camera modules, and enhanced thermal management. However, fans of smaller smartphones may be disappointed once again, as Apple dropped the 5.5-inch iPhone 13 Mini in favor of the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus last year.
Implications for the iPhone 15 Range
It remains to be seen how this early information about the iPhone 16 will impact the upcoming iPhone 15 range. With 2023 expected to be a year of incremental upgrades, Apple will undoubtedly strive to prevent further leaks regarding its 2024 plans.
