Extra Button on iPhone 16 Could Reportedly Mean Relocating Antenna

Highlights

• New Action Button rumoured for iPhone 16 with solid-state technology
• Potential relocation of mmWave antenna to accommodate extra button
• Volume and power buttons to remain traditional, physical keys
• Questions raised about potential impact on 5G connectivity

Rumours are swirling about the highly anticipated iPhone 16 models, with new information suggesting that the devices may come with an additional button, significantly impacting the phone’s internal layout.

Instant Digital, a known Weibo leaker with a proven track record for Apple-related leaks, recently claimed that Apple is actively considering the inclusion of an extra button on its iPhone 16 models.

The purported “Action Button“ will likely leverage solid-state technology, a departure from the conventional physical buttons on previous iPhone models.

Shifting of mmWave Antenna

To make room for this new button, Apple is contemplating a change in the placement of the mmWave antenna.

The antenna, responsible for enabling high-band 5G connectivity, is planned to be shifted from its typical right-side location to the left of the device.

It’s worth mentioning that Apple had once moved antennas near the steel band wrapping the iPhone 4, which led to some connectivity issues.

However, with mmWave adoption still in its nascent stage, the risk associated with this movement may be minimal.

Solid-State Action Button

According to Instant Digital, the new Action Button will employ solid-state technology, which means it will sit flush with the device.

Users won’t have to press the button physically; instead, it will activate predefined actions upon touch.

It should be noted that Apple had initially planned solid-state buttons for the iPhone 15 Pro models but did not go through with it.

While there’s buzz about this new Action Button, it appears the other standard buttons on the iPhone—namely the volume and power keys—will remain unchanged.

Unlike the Action Button, these will continue to be physical, protruding buttons that require pressing to function.

What Does This Mean for Connectivity?

When discussing the relocation of mmWave antennas, it’s worth considering that high-band 5G signals are already relatively scarce.

Some may remember the antenna issues with iPhone 4 when Apple changed its placement.

Yet, given the sparse availability of mmWave signals, the real-world implications of this shift may be limited.

FAQs

What is the new Action Button on iPhone 16?

The rumoured Action Button on iPhone 16 is expected to be a solid-state button that will sit flush with the device, allowing predefined actions upon touch.

Why is the mmWave antenna being moved?

To accommodate the new Action Button, Apple may relocate the mmWave antenna from its usual right-side position to the left of the device.

Will other buttons like volume and power keys change?

No, the volume and power buttons are expected to remain as traditional physical buttons that need to be pressed to function.

How could this affect 5G connectivity?

The movement of the mmWave antenna may raise concerns due to its role in high-band 5G connectivity. However, mmWave adoption is still in its early stages, so the actual impact might be minimal.

Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 & iPhone 15 Plus to be manufactured (made) in India by Tata Group: Report

Also Read: Apple iPhone 15 button design to get revamped: here’s how it could be different from the button less design