Apple is reportedly planning a significant design shift that could eliminate physical buttons from its devices by 2027. A leak from a Chinese tipster on Weibo suggests that the company is developing solid-state haptic controls to replace traditional mechanical buttons. The upcoming iPhone 20 could be the first model to feature this cutting-edge technology, offering users touch-based controls that simulate button presses through vibration feedback.
According to the leak, Apple has completed testing its solid-state button technology and is now focusing on mass production for the iPhone 20 launch in 2027. This advancement aims to replace all physical controls on the iPhone, such as the power key, volume buttons, and camera control, with haptic feedback mechanisms. By utilizing vibrations instead of mechanical movements, Apple aims to enhance durability and water resistance in its devices while delivering a sleek and modern design.
The transition to solid-state buttons is expected to begin with the iPhone 18 series in 2026, acting as a transitional phase before the full adoption of this technology. Apple plans to incorporate piezoelectric ceramic components in future models to provide users with a tactile clicking sensation without any physical button movement.
Apple’s exploration of solid-state technology extends beyond the iPhone, with potential applications in future iPads and Apple Watch models. The company’s objective is to create a unified user experience across its product lineup, potentially introducing new functionalities like pressure-sensitive shortcuts and swipe-sensitive controls.
While Apple has experimented with haptic technology in the past, such as the solid-state home button on the iPhone 7 and the Force Touch trackpad on MacBooks, transitioning all buttons to solid-state controls represents a significant evolution in user interface design. Apple is approaching this shift carefully to ensure that the new buttons maintain the precision and reliability that users expect from the brand.
For now, physical buttons will remain a part of Apple’s devices until the solid-state technology is perfected. However, if the leaks are accurate, users can anticipate a buttonless future with the arrival of the iPhone 20 in 2027, where pressing buttons will feel familiar yet entirely different.