Apple is reportedly reviving its long-rumored haptic button project, now expanding beyond iPhones to include iPads and Apple Watches. These solid-state, non-mechanical buttons would replace traditional moving parts, using haptic feedback to simulate button presses while reducing physical wear.
While earlier rumors pointed to haptic buttons debuting on the iPhone 16 Pro models, those plans were allegedly shelved. Now, industry chatter claims Apple has restarted development, likely driven by the potential for customizable input options — enabling varied functions for light, firm, or long presses on the same surface.
The updated rumor doesn’t suggest an imminent release timeline, making it unlikely we’ll see haptic buttons in this year’s hardware refresh. But with Apple reportedly going all-in on the technology, it could mark a significant design shift for future devices. If implemented, haptic buttons could offer improved durability and interactive versatility across the Apple ecosystem.
