New rumors shared on the forum MacRumors indicate that the “iPhones 15 Pro [Max]” will have a new microprocessor that can operate with very little energy to allow certain features, such as the (alleged) new capacitive buttons, to remain functional even when the device is turned off or without battery.
More precisely, this new microprocessor will take over a function, currently performed by the iPhone’s main chip, which makes it possible for the device to be located by the Search app (Find My) following it is turned off or if it has no battery, as well as the activation of Express Cards with energy reserve.
In addition to performing these functions related to Bluetooth LE and ultra-wideband, the new chip might also power the capacitive buttons on upcoming iPhones — including a possible “action” button that will replace the mute button.
The new microprocessor that will debut in the 15 Pro models (…) will also be able to immediately detect pressure on the capacitive buttons and even detect its own version of 3D Touch with the new volume up/down, action button (currently touch) and power button, while the phone is inoperative or turned off.
The source also claims that the new capacitive features are currently being tested with and without Taptic Engine feedback when the device is turned off, but not while the battery is dead — that, however, is subject to change, of course.
On the change to the volume buttons, the source says he got information regarding two working versions in tests, including one where the volume goes up/down faster depending on the amount of force used when pressed, and another where the volume can be adjusted. adjusted by sliding up and down the button with one finger. He, however, does not know which method will be adopted for the final version, but that these features can be activated by the software.
As highlighted by MacRumors and remembered for the leaker ShrimpAppleProthe source of this rumor is the same one who (rightly) shared details regarding Dynamic Island (Dynamic Island) last year, ahead of the official launch of the iPhones 14 Pro [Max].