Apple partners with ASE for capacitive buttons in iPhone 16

Apple has recently made a significant move by partnering with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) to incorporate capacitive buttons in the upcoming iPhone 16 series. These buttons will replace the traditional mechanical buttons found on previous models, such as those for power, volume, action, and the newly added capture buttons.

The capture button on the iPhone 16 will serve a dual purpose, acting as a record button for videos and a shutter button for photos. By half-pressing the button, users can focus on the subject they want to capture, while sliding the button will allow them to adjust the zoom level for better framing.

Unlike mechanical buttons that require physical force to press, capacitive buttons work by detecting the touch of a finger. Although these buttons do not physically move when pressed, users may feel a slight haptic feedback to indicate that their touch has been recognized.

Apple encountered technical hurdles that prevented them from implementing solid-state capacitive buttons on the current iPhone 15 series, but they have overcome these challenges for the upcoming iPhone 16.

The introduction of capacitive buttons on the iPhone 16 series marks a significant advancement in smartphone technology. This innovation not only enhances user experience by providing more intuitive controls but also showcases Apple's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and functionality in their devices.