Apple scrapped these features from iPhone 16 during development
What's the story
Apple's recently launched iPhone 16, despite its impressive array of hardware enhancements, had several planned features that did not make it to the final product.
The development process involved multiple prototype stages, during which significant design modifications were made.
In some cases, new hardware features were removed due to various reasons including adherence to Apple's strict quality-control standards.
Modifications
Design alterations and hardware changes
The design of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro underwent several changes during development, particularly concerning the buttons.
Early prototypes were used to test different button designs and unique hardware configurations, not present in the final models.
These modifications were part of Apple's iterative approach to improve upon features introduced with previous models, such as the Action button first seen in 2023.
Button development
Evolution of the Action button
The Action button, a user-configurable mechanical switch that replaced the single-purpose mute switch in iPhone 15 Pro, was further refined for the iPhone 16 series.
This button allows users to assign it to one of Apple's many pre-defined actions or use it with Shortcuts.
However, during the development process, Apple considered additional functionality for this button.
Scrapped design
Project Atlas: The scrapped capacitive action button
During the development of iPhone 16 series, Apple explored several designs for the Action button under a project codenamed "Atlas."
According to AppleInsider, early prototypes and internal designs featured a larger Action button, similar in size to volume keys.
This version would have mirrored the functionality of the new Camera Control button (codenamed Project Nova within Apple), with a sapphire crystal surface, capacitive sensor, and high-precision force sensor.
Volume control
Project Bongo: The unified haptic volume button
'Project Bongo' was another initiative by Apple that aimed to introduce a unified, haptic volume button to the iPhone 16 series.
This project traces its roots back to the development phase of the iPhone 15 Pro, but like Project Atlas, it did not make it past the prototyping stage.
The exact reasons for these features being dropped from the final design remain undisclosed by Apple.
Camera setup
Camera designs inspired by older iPhone models
Apple reverted to a vertical rear camera layout with iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, unlike the diagonal setup of the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 16 features two stacked lenses and a side flash, allowing spatial video capture for immersive 3D content, playable on Vision Pro.
Early prototypes had familiar designs, including a square bump resembling the iPhone 12 and another merging elements of the iPhone X.
Apple ultimately chose a new design that blends both styles for the final models.