Apple Could Replace Physical Buttons on Future iPhones with Solid-State Controls — Starting with the iPhone 18

The iPhone’s design language doesn’t change often, but when it does, Apple usually commits to it for years. The next big shift could be in how you physically interact with the device.

According to a new leak from tipster Setsuna Digital on Weibo, Apple is reportedly preparing to phase out mechanical buttons entirely — starting with the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and moving toward a full solid-state button system by the time the iPhone 20 lineup arrives in 2027.

If true, this could mark one of the most significant control redesigns in iPhone history since the removal of the Home button.

What Are Solid-State Buttons?

Unlike the traditional buttons that physically move when pressed, solid-state buttons are fixed surfaces that simulate a click using pressure sensing and haptic feedback. Instead of movement, you’d feel a tiny vibration that tricks your fingers into thinking you’ve pressed a button.

This system isn’t new to Apple. The company first experimented with similar haptics in the iPhone 7’s Home button and later perfected it with Force Touch on the MacBook trackpad. The idea is to make buttons more durable, less prone to wear and tear, and even resistant to water and dust — all while keeping that familiar tactile response.

What the Leak Says

The leak suggests Apple plans to introduce simplified camera control buttons on the iPhone 18 in 2026, which would drop their capacitive layer and rely solely on pressure sensitivity. Then, in 2027, the iPhone 20 series could go all-in on solid-state controls for the power, volume, operational, and camera buttons.

To achieve this, Apple may use piezoelectric ceramic components that create precise localized vibrations — a move that could make button presses feel more consistent, regardless of finger placement or case thickness.

The initiative, internally linked to “Project Bongo”, reportedly focuses on eliminating accidental presses and improving feedback accuracy. Apple’s also said to be testing this system for other devices like the iPad and Apple Watch to keep the ecosystem consistent.

Why Apple Might Be Doing This

This move isn’t just about aesthetics. Solid-state controls bring a few practical benefits:

• Durability: No moving parts mean fewer chances of failure over time.
• Water resistance: Fully sealed buttons improve protection against liquid damage.
• New gestures: With precise sensors, Apple could introduce new actions — like firm press, long hold, or directional swipes.

Still, there’s a catch. Getting haptic feedback right isn’t easy. Too weak and it feels mushy; too strong and it breaks immersion. That’s likely why Apple is reportedly still in the research and refinement phase for now.

What This Means for the Future

If this leak pans out, the iPhone 18 could be Apple’s test bed for the technology, while the iPhone 20 might be where the vision fully comes together. It’s also part of a broader trend where Apple seems to be gradually removing mechanical components altogether — first the headphone jack, then the Home button, and now possibly even physical keys.

Until the company finalizes its solid-state design, though, traditional mechanical buttons will likely stick around for another generation or two.

Via