Apple Cancels iPhone 15 Plans for Haptic Power and Volume Buttons Due to Hardware Issues

Project Bongo was an internal Apple effort to replace the physical volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 with haptic, non-moving buttons that provided vibration feedback when pressed.
The haptic buttons used advanced components like strain gauges, a redesigned haptic engine, and special firmware to detect presses and generate feedback.
Apple tested the haptic buttons extensively but ultimately canceled the project late in development due to hardware issues and unsatisfactory test results.
The iPhone 15 launched with standard physical buttons instead of haptic ones due to Project Bongo's cancelation.
Apple may try again with haptic buttons on a future iPhone, perhaps the iPhone 16, but it is still early in development.

macrumors.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Apple's iPhone 15 Lineup to Bring Major Design Changes, Upgrades

Apple is expected to unveil its iPhone 15 lineup at its annual September keynote event, introducing USB-C charging and possibly a new design, while also teasing new features for its mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro, and announcing updates for the Apple Watch, AirPods, and operating systems.

9/13/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Brings New Action Button, A17 Chip and USB-C to Familiar Design

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro features a customizable Action Button, a new titanium design, a revamped A17 Pro chip, and a switch to USB-C for wired charging.

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iPhone 15 Pro Gets Customizable 'Action Button' for Quick Access to Apps and Shortcuts

The iPhone 15 Pro lineup offers several new features, including the Action Button, which allows users to program the mute button to carry out a variety of commands, making it a versatile tool for quick access to apps and shortcuts.

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iPhone 15 Pro Impresses Android User, But iOS Limitations Remain as Google Promotes Pixel and RCS Features

The author shares their thoughts on their first day with the iPhone 15 Pro, highlighting positive aspects like the inclusion of USB-C and the new Action Button, while also expressing dislike for certain features such as the iPhone's homescreen and iCloud storage limitations.

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iPhone 15 Pro Cases Have Issues Accommodating Surprise Action Button Redesign

Third-party iPhone 15 Pro series cases have a design flaw that inhibits the use of the new Action button introduced by Apple, such as the Bellroy case that has a cutout for the old mute switch but obstructs the activation of the Action button.

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Posted 9/20/2023, 7:31:41 PM

Apple Cancels iPhone 15 Plans for Haptic Power and Volume Buttons Due to Hardware Issues

Project Bongo was an internal Apple effort to replace the physical volume and power buttons on the iPhone 15 with haptic, non-moving buttons that provided vibration feedback when pressed.
The haptic buttons used advanced components like strain gauges, a redesigned haptic engine, and special firmware to detect presses and generate feedback.
Apple tested the haptic buttons extensively but ultimately canceled the project late in development due to hardware issues and unsatisfactory test results.
The iPhone 15 launched with standard physical buttons instead of haptic ones due to Project Bongo's cancelation.
Apple may try again with haptic buttons on a future iPhone, perhaps the iPhone 16, but it is still early in development.

macrumors.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Apple's iPhone 15 Lineup to Bring Major Design Changes, Upgrades

9/13/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Brings New Action Button, A17 Chip and USB-C to Familiar Design

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro features a customizable Action Button, a new titanium design, a revamped A17 Pro chip, and a switch to USB-C for wired charging.

9/19/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Gets Customizable 'Action Button' for Quick Access to Apps and Shortcuts

9/24/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Impresses Android User, But iOS Limitations Remain as Google Promotes Pixel and RCS Features

9/24/2023

iPhone 15 Pro Cases Have Issues Accommodating Surprise Action Button Redesign