Rumors of the iPhone 15 Pro featuring touch-sensitive solid-state buttons have been circulating since last year. However, a recent shareholder letter from Cirrus Logic, a major supplier for Apple, suggests that the parts have been delayed, and the iPhone will not replace physical buttons for at least another year.
Cirrus Logic produces several components that are used in the iPhone’s Taptic Engine, and Apple is their largest customer, accounting for 79% of the company’s revenue in 2022. The supplier had previously announced that it was working on a new high-performance mixed-signal component, which would arrive in smartphones sometime in 2023. However, Cirrus has now stated that “a new product that we mentioned in previous shareholder letters as being scheduled for introduction this fall is no longer expected to come to market as planned.”
The rumors of the iPhone 15 Pro featuring touch-sensitive solid-state buttons originated from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. He had claimed that the company was planning to replace the physical volume and power buttons on its next flagship phone with touch-sensitive buttons. Kuo later revised his forecast, stating that Apple had decided to change its plans due to unresolved technical issues before mass production.
This recent announcement from Cirrus Logic serves as a reminder that rumors and leaks regarding upcoming products should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when they circulate months or even years before the product’s official announcement. It is important to treat such rumors with skepticism until there is official confirmation from the company.
While the delay of solid-state buttons in the iPhone 15 Pro may come as a disappointment to some Apple fans, it is important to remember that Apple is committed to delivering high-quality products that meet their standards of excellence. As such, they are likely to delay a product release if they feel that it does not meet their expectations.
