For the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which is scheduled to be released in 2027, Apple is apparently working on a fundamental design change. According to recent reports, the company plans to replace the traditional mechanical buttons with so-called solid-state buttons. These are said to be based on haptic feedback, thus enabling a new type of interaction. The Chinese leaker "Instant Digital" published the information on the Weibo platform – and has already provided several hints about unreleased Apple products in the past.
Since the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has consistently set new standards for smartphones. After years of rather incremental design changes, the anniversary model appears to be bringing a major innovation. Industry speculation has long been that Apple's ultimate goal is to develop a device without physical openings, cutouts, or moving parts. The 20th anniversary iPhone could be just that.
Apple's plans for solid-state keys
The upcoming iPhone, reportedly referred to internally as the "iPhone XX," will feature a solid-state button system. This system completely replaces traditional mechanical buttons. Instead of real movement, integrated sensors and vibration motors create the sensation of a physical click. This allows the device to respond to pressure without a button actually moving.
Solid-state buttons are not only more durable but also more resistant to dust and moisture, as they don't require any openings in the case. They're also designed to detect different pressure levels, offering additional control options—for example, for camera or volume functions. According to Instant Digital, Apple has already completed functional testing of this technology. Haptic feedback is planned for the side button, volume buttons, action button, and a camera control button.
Project Bongo: The long development history
The idea behind haptic buttons isn't new. As early as 2022, there were reports of an internal Apple project called "Project Bongo." At the time, the plan was to introduce solid-state technology in the iPhone 15 Pro. However, the plan was scrapped shortly before production began. Later, rumors circulated that the technology could appear in the iPhone 16 Pro, but that, too, was postponed indefinitely.
Instant Digital now reports that Apple has resumed the project and is continuing to work on its implementation. This isn't just for the iPhone: other devices like the iPad and Apple Watch are also expected to benefit from the new button technology in the long term. This suggests that Apple is planning a unified haptic platform across multiple product lines.
Design without interruptions
Along with the new buttons, Apple is apparently working on a significantly different case design. Several leaks indicate that the anniversary iPhone could look like a single, unbroken slab of glass—without visible bezels, without cutouts, and without physical buttons. A display that curves downward around all four edges of the device is intended to create a completely edge-to-edge appearance.
Mechanical keys would be distracting in such a design because they require physical interruptions in the casing. Solid-state technology would solve this problem. Integrating the keys into the frame creates a seamless appearance, making the controls barely noticeable.
Another advantage: The buttons could react dynamically depending on the usage situation. It's conceivable that certain areas of the frame could light up slightly or change their function depending on the context—for example, when taking photos, playing games, or using media.
Haptic feedback and AI-assisted audio
According to Instant Digital, Apple is going a step further. The company is reportedly experimenting with a vibration-based sound system that uses the frame or back of the iPhone to generate audio. Combined with an AI-based sound compensation algorithm, this could simulate realistic clicks and other acoustic feedback without the need for physical speakers.
This system would make the haptic keys feel almost like real keys—just without the mechanical movement. This would allow the typical click sound to be retained while maintaining a completely closed design.
The biggest design change since the iPhone X
If the information is correct, the anniversary model represents the biggest visual change since the iPhone X in 2017. The edge-to-edge design introduced then defined the iPhone's appearance for years. With the planned solid-state buttons and a curved display, Apple could once again take the design to a new level.
For Apple, this would be a logical step towards a fully enclosed, robust device – with no moving parts, no weak points, and a clear focus on durability and precision.
The anniversary iPhone as a symbol of Apple's innovative power
The 20th anniversary iPhone could be one of the most exciting models in years. Apple is apparently working on a combination of tactile innovation, robust design, and a new user interface. Solid-state buttons would replace mechanical components, and a curved display could give the device a visually seamless appearance.
While the information is still unconfirmed, there are growing indications that Apple is continuing development of Project Bongo. If the project goes ahead, the anniversary model would demonstrate that Apple is still capable of not only improving the iPhone but also reimagining it – just in time for the 20th anniversary of one of the most iconic products in the technology world. (Image: Shutterstock / hurricanehank)
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