Apple rumored to remove even more buttons from the iPhone

Goodbye physical buttons?
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If a new bombshell report from Fast Company is to be believed, the iPhone 8 sounds like it's going to have an even more radical design than we thought.

The most insane nugget is that Apple might remove all physical buttons (volume, power and mute switch) and replace them with "touch-sensitive inlays in the metal."

With no physical buttons to distract from the design, the iPhone 8, would inch closer towards becoming a single monolithic slab of glass -- a pure, minimalist design that Apple's chief design officer Jony Ive would no doubt love.

Removing the buttons would also allow Apple to make the iPhones more waterproof without needing to use rubber gaskets around the inside of the buttons to block out liquid the way it does on the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

The iPhone 8 could cost more than $1,000.

Apple is also reportedly looking into "3D-sensing technology" that could be used for facial recognition, improved depth-sensing on the back camera (possibly for improved Portrait mode?), or for augmented reality uses (something Tim Cook has teased many, many times).

A larger battery than the iPhone 7 is another feature Apple is reportedly looking to include on the iPhone 8.

The report also corroborates many previous rumors including an OLED screen somewhere in the range of 5.5 to 5.8-inches, a new chassis design comprised of a stainless steel frame and glass back, and the Touch ID fingerprint sensor moving to underneath the display. But that's all news we've heard before.

Though the iPhone 8 will be the iPhone everyone will want, Apple will also release an updated iPhone 7 and 7 Plus with the "7S" naming convention, the report claims.

The iPhone 8 and all of its new features won't be cheap, though -- it could cost more than $1,000.

Topics Apple iPhone

Mashable Image
Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Why is TikTok so obsessed with 365 buttons?
tiktoks about 365 buttons

CES 2026: Solver adds configurable haptic buttons to your smartphone
Solver at CES 2026

Samsung Galaxy S26: The 7 rumored features that could make me switch
samsung galaxy s25 edge on marble counter

New iPhone Fold specs, button layout revealed, new leak claims
Apple logo on smartphone screen


More in Tech
How to watch Chelsea vs. Port Vale online for free
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts

How to watch 'Wuthering Heights' at home: Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi's controversial romance now streaming
Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi embracing in still from "Wuthering Heights"

How to watch New York Islanders vs. Philadelphia Flyers online for free
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders warms up

How to watch Mexico vs. Belgium online for free
Israel Reyes of Mexico reacts

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free
Vinicius Junior #10 of Brazil leaves

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

You can track Artemis II in real time as Orion flies to the moon
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman piloting the Orion spacecraft

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!