For the 20th anniversary iPhone due in 2027, Apple is developing a solid-state button system as a replacement for traditional mechanical buttons.
This claim comes from Weibo account "Instant Digital", which previously reported on Apple's plans to introduce solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 as part of "Project Bongo", but the plan was canceled.
Similar rumors also suggested the feature would come to the iPhone 16 Pro, but were shelved indefinitely. Instant Digital has since reported that Apple is still investigating haptic buttons for a future iPhone.
Apple intended to bring solid-state buttons to the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023 as part of "Project Bongo"
Author's summary: Apple may replace iPhone buttons with haptics by 2027.