Rumors circulating suggest that the Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC), is preparing to bring radical changes to its design iPhone 16, replacing the traditional physical buttons with capacitive cmdoses. According to sources in the supply chain, Apple has ordered a large number of capacitive components from a Taiwanese supplier, boosting the likelihood of adoption of the new technology.
Economic Daily News reports that Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) won the order, which reportedly includes system-in-a-package (SIP) modules that will integrate capacitive components with two Taptic Engines, one on each side of the iPhone . Incorporating these engines will deliver haptic feedback to users, mimicking the feel of pressing a physical button.
Nevertheless, the possibility of adopting capacitive buttons on the iPhone 16 remains unclear. Apple has previously scrapped plans for new technologies, such as Project Bongo, which would have replaced the volume and power buttons with capacitive versions. In addition, rumors focus on the addition of a new, mechanical “Capture Button” for taking photos and videos, implying retention of traditional buttons.
While ordering capacitive components raises hopes for a major design change, their exact implementation on the iPhone 16 remains uncertain. Apple's final decision will probably be revealed during the official presentation of the new models.
