Leaked Apple "Ranger" Prototype Shows Solid-State Buttons, iPhone 15 Missed the Mark?

Leaked Apple "Ranger" Prototype Shows Solid-State Buttons, iPhone 15 Missed the Mark?Remember before the release of the iPhone 15 Pro, there were rumors that Apple was planning to replace the traditional mechanical volume/power buttons with "solid-state buttons"? Ultimately, this didn't happen, and the iPhone 16 series also hasn't seen this change. However, these initial leaks were quite credible, with the project codename (Bongo) and component renders surfacing online

Leaked Apple "Ranger" Prototype Shows Solid-State Buttons, iPhone 15 Missed the Mark?

Remember before the release of the iPhone 15 Pro, there were rumors that Apple was planning to replace the traditional mechanical volume/power buttons with "solid-state buttons"? Ultimately, this didn't happen, and the iPhone 16 series also hasn't seen this change. However, these initial leaks were quite credible, with the project codename (Bongo) and component renders surfacing online. Now, a rare iPhone test device recently discovered has unveiled this design.

Apple typically tests new features for its iPhones on various test devices and prototypes before finalizing their designs. Recently, AppleDemoYT discovered a prototype iPhone, reportedly obtained from an electronics recycling facility. What makes this "iPhone" unique is the absence of the familiar Apple logo on the back and the presence of a symbol resembling two crescent moons. This symbol has appeared on Apples prototype devices before, particularly on early versions of the AirTag. The shape Apple uses is a mathematical one, known as VesicaPiscis in Latin.

This prototype iPhone seems to utilize components from the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro, but also boasts some never-before-seen parts: the volume and power buttons don't emit the customary click when pressed, indicating a non-mechanical design. This appears to confirm Apple's exploration of haptic feedback buttons for the iPhone 15, ultimately not making it to the final product. Additionally, the prototype's volume buttons are a combined design rather than separate buttons, aligning with a leak from last year. The SIM card tray is modified, shorter than usual, and secured with screws. The engravings on the side of the volume buttons suggest that the device is in the "Ranger" prototype phase, meant for field testing.

Some internal components of this prototype iPhone, like the camera, are non-functional, seemingly serving as placeholders. The device has a limited number of internal cables connecting to the motherboard. One cable connects to the charging port, and another connects to the buttons on the device. The motherboard itself has a unique layout, falling somewhere between the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro. Upon booting, the device displays a message about the microcontroller initialization completion. When connected to a Mac, it is labeled "Bender" but doesn't respond to any input. According to the serial number, the device seems to have been manufactured in May 2021, likely after the iPhone 13 Pro was finalized. The camera bump resembles that of the iPhone 14 Pro, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact model due to the mixed components.

AppleDemoYT speculates that it's a test device for experimental features rather than a prototype for a specific iPhone model, potentially designed to test haptic button technology. Regardless of its exact purpose, this peculiar iPhone, a fusion of different parts, offers a glimpse into the testing Apple undertakes while considering new features. If it was intended for the iPhone 15, it reflects that solid-state buttons were in development for quite some time but ultimately didn't materialize this year, a bit of a disappointment for many.

The revelation of this "Ranger" prototype suggests that Apple's exploration of solid-state button technology has not ceased. Perhaps we will see it implemented in future, more advanced iPhones, making us even more eager to see what surprises Apple has in store for us in the future.