Image Source: Engadget
The presence of solid state buttons is one of the exclusive features of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. While some readers may be skeptical of their functionality, one rumor claims that these buttons will work “very well” with gloves and cases, assuming those accessories are properly designed.
There will be a sensitivity toggle for users to adjust, allowing the solid state buttons to work with cases and gloves as needed.
A follow-up to the rumor that the solid-state buttons would include a microprocessor that retained some functionality even after the iPhone’s battery had been depleted comes from MacRumors Forums member anonymous-A.S. There will apparently be a sensitivity toggle, allowing users to adjust it based on their needs when cases are strapped on or gloves are worn. He does state that the quality of these accessories will be determined by third-party manufacturers.
Both rumors are consistent in their information, as ShrimpApplePro stated in a tweet in late February that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max would have solid state buttons that would work perfectly with a case attached. Apple is expected to add three Taptic Engines to the more expensive models. The Taptic Engine made its debut in the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, providing haptic feedback that resembled a click.
When compared to physical buttons, the solid state ones expected to be found on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max should be more durable because there is no switch that needs to be pressed repeatedly. Moving parts in any device have a limited lifespan, and creating water-resistant gaskets around those areas is difficult. Apple could eliminate this issue with solid state buttons while also providing more customization to the user.
Unfortunately, because Apple is introducing this feature for the first time, the three Taptic Engines should increase the company’s costs, giving it more reason to raise the prices of the ‘Pro’ models. However, the prices had remained consistent for four years, so it was only a matter of time before Apple charged its customers more, solid state buttons or not.
