Apple’s Haptic Button Reawakening: Project Bongo Reappears in 2025 Patent
Apple has a reputation for innovation, and even its discarded initiatives often find new life when the moment is opportune. One such idea, referred to internally as “Project Bongo,” is making headlines once more. Once thought to be a thing of the past, the visionary haptic button design associated with this project has emerged again in a U.S. patent filing unveiled in April 2025. Could this signify an impending tactile transformation for upcoming Apple devices?
The Birth of Project Bongo
What Was Project Bongo?
Launched discreetly in 2022, Project Bongo sought to reimagine the conventional physical buttons on Apple’s premium iPhones. The initiative aimed at substituting mechanical volume and power buttons with solid-state, touch-sensitive alternatives that provide tactile feedback through a built-in haptic engine.
In contrast to the standard buttons found on the iPhone 14 series, the anticipated haptic buttons promised a more sophisticated and futuristic experience, in keeping with Apple’s minimalist design philosophy. These buttons were expected to create a distinct visual and functional differentiation between regular iPhone models and the high-end “Pro” versions.
The Unexpected Cessation
Although it showed significant potential, Project Bongo was suddenly withdrawn from the iPhone 15 Pro development timeline in April 2023. Functional prototypes had reached the Engineering Validation Test (EVT) phase, but the design was shelved before advancing to mass production stages such as Design Validation Test (DVT) or Production Validation Test (PVT).
Insiders indicate that technical challenges including false touches, varied responsiveness, and reliability concerns contributed to the project’s temporary halt.
The Patent That Rekindled Interest
Insights From the 2025 Patent Filing
Submitted in September 2023 and publicized in April 2025, the patent presents an intricate overview of the haptic button mechanism. The technology centers on a compact “Bongo Haptic Engine,” featuring a solenoid comprised of a ferromagnetic core and copper coil.
When a user engages the button, force sensors such as strain gauges identify the applied pressure. Subsequently, an electric current is transmitted to the coil, prompting the core to move and create a tactile response reminiscent of a genuine button press. This approach mirrors the functionality of Apple’s existing Taptic Engine but in a more localized and modular configuration.
Explanation of Technical Elements
The haptic module consists of:
– A ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic core
– An electric coil for electromagnetic induction
– A strain gauge to register pressure
– An attraction plate to complete the electro-mechanical feedback mechanism
These components collaboratively function to replicate a physical button press, delivering a seamless user experience without relying on mechanical parts that degrade over time.
Testing Across Various Devices
Prototypes for iPhone 14, 15, and 16
While the finalized iPhone models did not incorporate the Bongo design, Apple explored the concept across multiple generations. Initial iterations were identified in drop-test versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, and functional units were confirmed in EVT-stage prototypes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Furthermore, Apple also trialed this technology in prototypes of the iPhone 16 series, indicating ongoing interest and development.
Expanding Beyond iPhones: A Broader Vision
The patent indicates that Apple envisions this technology extending beyond smartphones to encompass a diverse range of devices, including:
– Tablets (iPads)
– Wearables (Apple Watch)
– Head-mounted devices (Apple Vision Pro)
– Styluses (Apple Pencil)
Such wide applicability reflects Apple’s long-term aspirations for a haptic interface throughout its complete product ecosystem.
Obstacles and Delays
Technical Challenges
Despite its advanced design, Project Bongo has encountered persistent technical challenges. As reported by industry insiders, complications such as high failure rates, false touches, and unreliable feedback have hindered development. These factors likely played a role in the temporary shelving of the project.
Why the Patent Now?
Even with these setbacks, Apple opted to proceed with a formal patent application. This implies that the company has not entirely abandoned the concept. Filing a patent helps Apple safeguard its intellectual property while continuing to enhance the technology privately.
Implications for the Future
Will Haptic Buttons Feature in the Next iPhone?
The prospect of haptic buttons being included in the iPhone 16 or even iPhone 17 hinges on whether Apple can address the reliability concerns. The patent paves the way for the technology to be reconsidered, refined, and potentially integrated once it fulfills Apple’s rigorous quality expectations.
Opportunities in Other Devices
Considering the mention of additional devices in the patent, it’s plausible that haptic buttons could make their debut first in a less critical product like an updated Apple Pencil or even a new Apple Watch iteration, where the tactile feedback could enhance usability without compromising essential functionality.
Final Thoughts
Although Project Bongo may be on temporary hold, Apple’s recent patent application indicates that the company remains committed to its haptic visions. With the capacity to transform user interaction across smartphones, tablets, and wearables, haptic buttons might soon become integral to the Apple ecosystem. While technical difficulties persist, ongoing development and formal protections suggest that Apple is dedicated to realizing this concept.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Project Bongo?
Project Bongo is Apple’s internal designation for a haptic button design intended to replace standard mechanical volume and power buttons with touch-sensitive, solid-state options utilizing a built-in haptic engine.
Why was Project Bongo withdrawn from the iPhone 15 Pro?
The initiative was said to be paused due to technical challenges including false touches, inconsistent haptic responses, and elevated hardware failure rates encountered during testing.
How does the Bongo Haptic Engine differ from the Taptic Engine?
Though both provide tactile feedback, the Bongo Haptic Engine is a smaller, localized component specifically tailored for individual buttons. It employs force sensors along with a solenoid-based system to replicate button presses.
Can we anticipate haptic buttons in forthcoming Apple products?
Yes, the patent indicates that this technology could be implemented across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and the Apple Pencil, though an official release timeline remains unconfirmed.
Why did Apple submit a patent if the technology encountered issues?
Submitting a patent allows Apple to safeguard its intellectual property while persistently refining the technology. It also indicates that Apple perceives long-term potential in the concept.
Are there operational prototypes utilizing the Bongo design?
Yes, fully functional prototypes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max equipped with Bongo buttons were developed and reached the EVT (Engineering Validation Test) stage before the design was put on hold.
Will this new button design enhance device durability?
Possibly yes. Removing mechanical components could diminish wear and tear, leading to enhanced durability and water resistance in future devices.
For further insights into Apple’s progressive hardware designs, keep an eye on Lonelybrand.com.
