Apple is reportedly set to introduce solid-state buttons - non-mechanical, pressure-sensitive controls - on the iPhone 20, slated for launch in 2027.

This transformation is expected to become one of the most iconic changes in the iPhone’s history, akin to the leap introduced by the iPhone X when it removed the Home button and ushered in Face ID as the modern smartphone standard.

According to a leak from Setsuna Digital on Weibo, Apple has completed the "functional verification" phase of its solid-state button system, signaling that the technology has passed key engineering tests and is now being prepped for mass production in time for the iPhone 20.

Although iPhone 20 will be the hallmark model featuring this shift, Apple has reportedly started laying the groundwork as early as the iPhone 18, expected in 2026.

Instead of a radical one-time change, the company is likely to refine current button designs gradually to ease user transition.

A standout among these changes is the simplification of the Camera Control button.

This dedicated button for capturing photos and videos will forgo capacitive touch sensors and instead rely solely on pressure sensitivity.

While this adjustment may not noticeably affect user experience, it clearly prepares the path toward fully removing mechanical button structures in iPhone 20.

What is solid-state and why does it matter?

Solid-state buttons eliminate physical movement.

Rather than pressing down a mechanical part, users apply pressure to a sensor that detects the input and responds through haptic feedback, simulating the sensation of a real button press.

There are no moving parts inside.

This change is more than cosmetic.

It marks a new era in mobile design - fewer mechanical components, increased durability, and more seamless form factors.

Apple, long known for its minimalist design philosophy, is advancing toward the dream of a device without physical buttons.

Mechanical buttons have historically been among the most failure-prone components on any smartphone.

Over time, dust, water exposure, oxidation, or excessive force can cause them to stick or lose responsiveness.

By eliminating internal moving parts, Apple significantly reduces the risk of hardware failure.

Solid-state technology also enhances water and dust resistance.

With no gaps or physical spaces around buttons, the device can achieve a tighter seal - something premium users have always demanded.

For users, this means fewer trips to the repair shop, especially for persistent issues with power or volume buttons on older iPhone models.

iPhone 20 and the future of seamless design

Rumors of solid-state buttons are not new.

As early as 2023, leaks suggested that the iPhone 15 Pro would be the first to feature the technology, but reports indicated that Apple paused the plan due to technical issues.

Patent documents had even referenced a project codenamed "Project Bongo" - Apple’s initiative to develop the next generation of buttons.

The renewed buzz surrounding iPhone 20 suggests Apple has not abandoned the idea but is carefully timing its implementation to ensure performance, reliability, and a seamless user experience.

If Apple introduces solid-state buttons on the iPhone 20, it won’t just be a technical upgrade - it will represent a new design philosophy: removing gaps, eliminating unnecessary parts, and discarding all internal mechanical movement.

This could serve as the launchpad for a future iPhone with no physical ports, where all connections and charging are handled wirelessly.

Just as the iPhone X redefined the modern smartphone, the iPhone 20 could bring the next leap in Apple’s design legacy - pushing competitors to follow in its footsteps.

Hai Phong