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Solid-state buttons, haptic feedback, edge-to-edge design: Apple is preparing the iPhone 20 for 2027. All mechanical buttons should disappear and be replaced by touch-sensitive surfaces. Find out more about “Project Bongo” and its leaks. Breakthrough after years of delay Apple is once again working on a “revolutionary concept” for the iPhone 20, which is scheduled to appear in 2027: All mechanical buttons could be replaced by solid-state alternatives. According to the Chinese leaker Instant Digital The group has completed the functional verification of the technology and is preparing for mass production. The project, known internally as “Project Bongo”, underwent a turbulent development history. The technology was originally supposed to debut on the iPhone 15 Pro in 2023, but was canceled shortly before the market launch. Haptic buttons were also on the agenda for the iPhone 16 Pro before the project was postponed again. Complete absence of moving parts The planned solid-state buttons would affect all side controls: the power button, volume buttons, action button and camera control should receive localized haptic feedback. The elements would be flush with the frame and no longer undergo any physical movement. Instead, sophisticated haptic technology is intended to create the illusion of a real click. The new technology could differentiate between different pressure levels and allow users to trigger different functions with light or firm pressure. In addition, the elimination of moving parts promises greater durability and improved water protection for the devices. Gradual introduction planned In preparation, the iPhone 18 will have a simplified camera control button in 2026, which will dispense with the capacitive layer and only use pressure sensors. Apple then plans to use piezoelectric ceramic components for more precise haptic feedback. The solid-state buttons fit into Apple’s vision of an edge-to-edge display that would curve around all four edges of the device. Traditional mechanical keys that require physical openings in the case would become obstacles with such a design. Expansion to the entire product range According to Instant Digital, the project is not limited to the iPhone, but will encompass Apple’s entire product range including the iPad and Apple Watch. The leaker also speculates about a vibration-based sound system that uses the frame or back to generate audio and works with an AI-based compensation algorithm. However, the delays so far show that technical challenges such as false touches and responsiveness had not yet been fully resolved. It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually overcome these problems by 2027.
