An iPhone prototype, without a physical button and equipped with haptic buttons, was recently discovered in an electronics recycling center. This unique discovery offers a fascinating insight into Apple's experiments with touch technology. The model, called “Vesica Piscis”, is positioned between the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro, without ever being marketed. What does this mysterious device have in store for the future of smartphones?
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A prototype like no other
This mysterious iPhone immediately stands out with its unusual rear logo. Exit the bitten apple, make way for a mathematical symbol formed by the intersection of two circles, the vesica piscis, already seen on AirTag prototypes. This characteristic intrigues fans of the brand.
The device displays a single, elongated volume button, instead of the usual two keys. This provision is part of “Project Bongo”, an Apple initiative to develop buttons with haptic feedback, a technology still unpublished to date.
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The underside of Project Bongo
The haptic button system was initially to equip the entire iPhone 16 range. It was based on an electromagnetic motor called Bongo Haptic Engineoperating on the same principle as the current Taptic Engine.
The project was abandoned in early 2023 due to persistent technical problems. However, Apple has not completely given up on touch innovations. A new capacitive button, developed under the code name “Project Nova”, could see the light of day in future iPhones.
A unique technological mix
The internal components of the prototype constitute a real technological puzzle. They combine elements of the iPhone 13 Pro and 14 Pro, while integrating an entirely new motherboard. Some parts, like the cameras, are fake, replaced with transparent plastic.
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This prototype reminds us that Apple does not hesitate to explore daring avenues, even if not all of them come to fruition. This evokes the Home button with haptic feedback on the iPhone 7, the brand's first successful experiment in this area.
| 🤔 Curiosity | Discovery of an iPhone prototype without physical buttons |
| 🔍 Intrigue | A design inspired by fish bladders |
| 🚀 Innovation | Unprecedented haptic button technology |
Future outlook
Apple continues to surprise with its experiments, even if most remain secret. This prototype could be a taste of the company's future efforts to improve user interaction.
Tactile innovations, although paused, could return in a more advanced form. Who knows, maybe these haptic buttons will resurface in a future generation of iPhone?
What does the future hold for Apple's touch innovations? Only time will tell.
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