Recent photos emerged online claiming to point out that the soon-to- be-released iPhone 7’s front is sporting a touch-sensitive home button. If the photos are accurate, this change is a big step for the iPhone’s manufacturer.

From the initial launch of the original iPhone, Apple mobile phones have presented a physical button that users utilize to go back to their phone’s home screen as well as for other functions. However, the photos released to mobipicker.com seem to propose this may no longer be the case for the subsequent Apple handsets.

The latest images appear to show a touch-sensitive pad instead of a button. Experts like vendors who sell iPhones, as well as tech experts, say the new pad will probably be flushed with the smartphone’s body, as opposed to sticking out from the lower frame. iPhone 7 users must execute tapping actions to trigger specific features and functions.

Apparent Changes

In the images presented to the tech site, the white handset looks like it’s missing its silver metal ring that goes around the button incorporated since the launch of the iPhone 5s and the unveiling of the TouchID fingerprint feature. Along with a redeveloped home button, the pictures likewise indicate that both the upper and lower parts of the bezel seem far narrower than what you see on the iPhone 6 line. The front camera and the proximity sensor have been shuffled around, too.

“Sources”verified with the mobile website that the touch-sensitive layout will be applied to the new iPhone 7, which will be launched in September. According to a source from MobiPicker, the new button is spotlessly in level with the rest of the frame and is not designed to be pressed. If this function is truly carried out, iPhone 7 users have to complete some tapping actions to power up functions, such as double tap to view a particular group of apps. And with the new TouchID, users should expect a substantially smoother and swifter experience than what they have on their current iPhone unit.

Likely, But Still Needs Apples Confirmation

In a design POV, it makes sense that Apple will find a way to reduce the wear and tear on its handsets’ button which takes up a lot of work: get around the unit, handle TouchID fingerprint scanning, etc. There’s also rumors that the iPhone 7 will feature an edge-to- edge display using the TouchID constructed into the screen. Altering the physical home button to a touch-sensitive pad looked like a sound transitioning phase.

But like before, the newest assumed leak is still unconfirmed by Apple. However, most mobile websites and tech experts believe that the company is, at the very least, testing a touch- sensitive pad for its future flagship smartphone.

Just this March, Apple was awarded a patent for a pressure-sensitive liquid-metal home button that marginally deforms when hard pressed, but returns back to its normal form once the user removes their thumb. Also, on a yearly basis, the company renews its exclusive rights to work with the malleable alloy, but has yet to use it in a significant way.