While many iPhone enthusiasts are still acquainting themselves with the recently launched iPhone 15 lineup, the rumor mill is already abuzz with speculation about the iPhone 16. One of the most intriguing speculations suggests that Apple is contemplating the introduction of a new physical button, referred to as the “Capture Button,” to its forthcoming iPhone 16. This mysterious button is purported to function similarly to the Action button featured in the iPhone 15 Pro.
Should the Capture button prove effective during testing, Apple is expected to incorporate it into all iPhone 16 models. Currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro series, the Action button is anticipated to become a standard feature across all 2024 iPhone models.
Internally referred to as the “Capacitive Button” or “Project Nova,” this innovative addition is slated to become a flagship selling point for the iPhone 16. According to sources cited by MacRumors, the Capture button will distinguish itself as a capacitive button rather than a traditional mechanical one. It will provide users with tactile feedback akin to pressing a physical button, courtesy of vibrations generated by the Taptic Engine. Moreover, the button is expected to have the capability to detect pressure and touch, enabling support for a diverse range of commands and functions.
Positioned beneath the iPhone’s power/standby button on the handset’s right side, the inclusion of this new button marks a significant design departure for the iPhone. Historically, iPhones have maintained a familiar set of physical controls, including a mute switch, volume rockers, and a power button. Notably, iPhones featured a Home button below the display until the iPhone X ushered in an all-screen design in 2017.
The journey towards the Capture button’s inclusion in the iPhone 16 has seen its fair share of trials. In a prior endeavor referred to as “Project Bongo” for the iPhone 15 Pro series, Apple sought to replace the volume rockers with a single capacitive button and transform the power button into a capacitive one. Regrettably, this project was terminated early during development due to “unsatisfactory test results and a significant number of hardware issues,” as reported by MacRumors.
The Capture button is expected to grace all four models of the iPhone 16, including both eSIM-only and SIM variants. Nonetheless, Apple is reportedly working on iPhone 16 versions devoid of Capture buttons in the event that the project encounters setbacks.
As of now, the precise function of the Capture button remains shrouded in mystery. While its nomenclature implies a connection to the camera, one of the iPhone’s central features, it remains speculative at this stage.
In a parallel development, Apple is also revamping the Action button to transform it into a capacitive counterpart. Known as “Project Atlas,” this haptic Action Button adopts a design reminiscent of the Capture Button, leveraging strain gauges and reluctance motors to deliver haptic feedback. Expected to feature on all four iPhone 16 models, the Action button is already a noteworthy feature on the iPhone 15 Pro, offering convenient shortcuts with a simple button press.
MacRumors additionally hints at other enhancements slated for the iPhone 16 series, including a redesigned vertical camera arrangement reminiscent of the iPhone 12 and larger displays, with sizes increasing from 6.1 inches and 6.7 inches to 6.3 inche
