14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is very likely to unveil the next iPhone in September, but despite the plethora of leaks that have reached the web lately, there still are a few things that remain uncertain, such as the cameras and the home button.
There’s a new report out there claiming that the 2016 iPhone could come with a flush button featuring support for 3D Touch, so instead of a physical button, the device could boast a new capacitive model that doesn’t need to be pressed.
To make the transition smoother, Apple is planning to offer short haptic feedback when the button is pressed and the fingerprint is scanned, according to Macotakara.
Why the need for a new Home button?
There are two main reasons Apple could go for such an approach on the next iPhone: the company could pave the way for the 2017 iPhone, which is believed to be making the switch to a no-bezel design and display that would incorporate all front-facing parts, and waterproofing.
The 2017 model is very likely to come with an all-screen front fascia, according to people familiar with Apple’s plans, so the Home button would have to be integrated into the display. The change that Apple is planning for the version launching in September could be just the first step towards this upgrade, as the company is aiming for a transition that’s as smooth as possible.
As for waterproofing, a non-moving part makes it easier for Apple to accomplish this goal, and the company is believed to be considering offering such a feature on the next iPhone, especially because it wants to bring it in line with the Samsung Galaxy S7.
Other than that, the aforementioned source also claims that Apple is planning a new color for the next iPhone, possibly a black version, but once again, this is still in the rumor stage, and a certain level of skepticism is recommended, given the contradictory information that has reached the web lately.