Apple will include a new low-power microprocessor to power the iPhone 15 Pro’s capacitive buttons. With this, the buttons will work even when the phone is turned off or discharged.
The new microprocessor will also take over other low-power tasks, such as the Apple Pay Express Card, which lets you access cards, keys and Apple Wallet passes for up to five hours after the phone’s battery runs out, and Find and Bluetooth/ Ultra Wideband.
Apple’s A-series chip currently handles these tasks in the super low power mode. Rumors suggest that Apple could move to a single solid-state volume button on the iPhone 15 Pro series and that it will have similar functionality to 3D Touch and can detect the amount of force applied.
Depending on the applied force, the volume level will increase/decrease faster. The company is also testing enabling volume control by allowing users to slide their fingers up/down on the button.
The source claims that it is unclear what functionality the iPhone maker will eventually use for this new microprocessor.
Apple plans utilize the Taptic engine to provide feedback when using the capacitive buttons. They are currently testing whether they provide this feedback when the phone is off.
In addition to powering the capacitive volume knob, the microprocessor will assist in operating the “action” button. Rumors indicate that the latter will replace the mute button on new iPhones. Given that the Apple Watch Ultra’s action button is customizable, the iPhone 15 Pro’s button shouldn’t be any different.
Rumors suggest that only the iPhone 15 Pro will exclusively use the capacitive buttons. Apple will keep the traditional physical volume and power keys in the regular iPhone 15 lineup.
