Apple's Mysterious Prototype Revealed: Solid-State Buttons, A Dream of Portless Design Comes True?

Apple's Mysterious Prototype Revealed: Solid-State Buttons, A Dream of Portless Design Comes True?The most striking feature is the solid-state design of the volume and power buttons, similar to the pressure-sensitive Home button on iPhones 7/8/SE2. Users can't physically press them down; instead, the Taptic Engine provides realistic feedback, mimicking the tactile feel

Apple's Mysterious Prototype Revealed: Solid-State Buttons, A Dream of Portless Design Comes True?

Rumors have been circulating for the past two years about Apple's ambition to eliminate physical buttons and adopt solid-state buttons, but there's been little concrete progress. Many questioned the credibility of these leaks. However, the truth is that Apple had already created a prototype phone with solid-state buttons two years ago but ultimately shelved the project due to technical challenges. Recently, blogger AppleDemoYT shared an incredibly rare Apple iPhone prototype online, reigniting interest in Apple's future design philosophy.

This prototype differs from other iPhones by lacking the iconic Apple logo. Instead, it features two intersecting crescent shapes known as "Vesica Piscis" in Latin, a symbol representing sacred geometry. Design-wise, the phone borrows elements from both iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, retaining the mute switch, suggesting it might be an iPhone 14 Pro prototype.

The most striking feature is the solid-state design of the volume and power buttons, similar to the pressure-sensitive Home button on iPhones 7/8/SE2. Users can't physically press them down; instead, the Taptic Engine provides realistic feedback, mimicking the tactile feel. This design further underscores Apple's ongoing pursuit of a completely portless design. Their goal is to eliminate all openings like ports and buttons, creating a phone that is more minimalistic, aesthetically pleasing, and resistant to dust and water.

Apple's ambition for a portless design isn't a recent whim. As early as 2016, the iPhone 7 removed the 3.5mm headphone jack, and subsequent models further reduced port numbers. In recent years, Apple has been exploring more advanced wireless charging technologies and integrating more functions internally. Examples include integrating the fingerprint sensor under the screen and incorporating volume controls on the side of the phone.

However, Apple's portless dream still faces significant challenges. Firstly, the technology behind solid-state buttons needs refinement to ensure stable and reliable performance in mass-produced devices. Secondly, wireless charging technology requires boosts in power and efficiency to meet daily user demands. Lastly, completely eliminating ports would create inconveniences, such as data transfer and fast charging limitations.

Despite these obstacles, Apple remains committed to overcoming technical barriers and exploring cutting-edge smartphone design concepts. We can expect Apple to gradually achieve its portless vision, offering users a more convenient, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing mobile experience in the future.