kermityfrog t1_je9h4f4 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 11:57 AM

Reply to comment by Airules in iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max to be equipped with always-on “micro-processor” that will manage capacitive buttons and more even while the phone is powered down. by AppleXOS

Haptic button, not just capacitive on the case.

Sylvurphlame t1_jeadv5x wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:06 PM

The case doesn’t need haptics…

Capacitive is the method of registering input. Haptic is the method of feedback to the user. The case should conduct the vibration just fine unless it’s especially loose or padded for some reason.

kermityfrog t1_jeaf4a5 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 4:14 PM

FTA, there will be pressure sensitivity via the capacitive interface. I don’t think that will be easy to do and provide you with haptic feedback at the same time.

Sylvurphlame t1_jebqxo6 wrote on March 30, 2023 at 9:18 PM

Already responded to your other comment first. But no that wouldn’t be difficult. Think about the screen.

If you long touch the top of the screen, there’s no Taptic Engine there. But you still feel it. The entire body of the iPhone conducts the vibration no matter where you actually touch.

The button itself needs to be capacitive to interact with the capacitive buttons. It could also just be straight up metallic with some sort of non-scratch bottom or just a thin enough plastic coating so as not to insulate the button. But the button would happily conduct the vibration of a second Taptic Engine is used as long as it’s in contact during the feedback tap. But I’m not convinced that’s actually necessary as one engine covers the entire phone for screen presses anywhere as-is.

They could certainly fit another engine in if they want to increase the strength of the haptic feedback or add more complexity, but it wouldn’t be strictly necessary. I’m more of the opinion that every cubic millimeter possible should be devoted to battery gains.