A new iPhone 15 Pro leak suggests that the upcoming smartphone may abandon the mute switch, a design feature that has previously existed on iPhones.
As discovered by Mac Rumors (opens in new tab) , leaker ShrimpApplePro posted the leaked video on the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. This shows a new CAD (Computer Aided Design) image of the iPhone 15 Pro series. And the video suggests that the iPhone 15 series “Pro” models may get some important button tweaks.
The image confirms previous rumors that next-generation phones will replace the traditional dual volume buttons with a single button. Even more controversial, the “mute switch” that’s been around since the original iPhone in 2007 appears to be replaced with a button.
This may not sound like a major design change, but it can be divisive, especially among those used to the vastly different feel and action of the mute switch and volume buttons.
Rumors also suggest that both the volume and mute buttons will use haptic feedback rather than mechanical movement to provide the feel of pressing the buttons. It’s something we’re seeing more and more on both smartphones and laptops, and Apple could be desperate to make everything a haptic experience.
If you don’t like the sound of these button changes, you’ll be happy to hear that not all new iPhones this year have the changes. Rumor has it that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models will still feature two separate volume buttons and a mute switch if you want to rely on your regular iPhone muscle memory.
Sound decision? Even the original model and early iPhones like the iPhone 3G (above) had a dedicated mute switch. (Image credit: Apple)
Removing the mute switch on the new iPhone 15 Pro series might be seen as a retrograde design step, as generations of iPhone users are accustomed to a switch that feels distinctly different than the volume buttons.
But Apple’s obvious interference could also have a way. An extra button on the side of the iPhone 15 Pro series could open the door to software customization, making it a little more versatile.
Instead, if the mute function were simply toggled on or off in software, that button could morph into a very distinct camera shutter button, for example, the role currently played by the “volume up” button. . The latter is similar to its ‘Volume Down’ counterpart, so it’s easy to press the wrong button when taking a snap.
Of course, this is just speculation at this point, but if Apple is actually changing a design feature that’s been in the iPhone for 15 years, there’s justification for doing so beyond the simple necessity of a design update. There may be functional reasons for this.
There’s still plenty of time for more leaks ahead of the expected iPhone 15 series launch in early September, so we’ll see more design cues, including the prospect that the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be the thinnest. We hope to see more bezels so far – in the coming months.
