iPhone 15 Pro solid-state button patent exposure: support for different strength sensing

As we all know, Apple has been working towards a completely wireless, non-porous phone, such as the return of magnetic charging, and the Apple Watch, which even eliminates the repair notch on the completely non-open hole.

Not long ago, Ming-Chi Kuo once again confirmed in an article that the high-end version of the iPhone 15 will use "solid-state buttons", that is, the elimination of physical buttons.

It is reported that a button-like shape will also exist on the bezel of the iPhone 15 Pro, but is the same as the Home button of the iPhone 7/8 and other models, which cannot really be pressed down and will mobilize the Taptic Engine linear motor to simulate the feedback of a physical button.

However, a recently revealed Apple patent shows that the new solid-state button will bring more features.

According to the patent image, the iPhone 15 Pro's power button and volume keys both support force sensing, with different forces matching different operations and functions.

For example, a light press will slowly increase the volume, and a stronger press will quickly increase the volume, making it easier for users to quickly adjust.

The power button can be used to open more function options by different strengths, which is equivalent to an additional shortcut button.

The effect is also very similar to the 3D Touch, which was first introduced on the iPhone 6S, allowing the iPhone to sense how hard the user presses the screen, bringing a new dimension of operation.

It should be noted that according to Apple's product planning, the iPhone 15 standard version is not available with this feature and will be exclusive to the Pro version.