The iPhone 7 home button might not be a button at all

The iPhone 7 home button might not be a button at all

Update: It turns out that this image isn't of an iPhone at all, but of an Android copycat, as reported by MobileXpose, so in all likelihood you'll still have buttons to press for the time being.

Original story continues...

The iPhone 7 is the final piece of the 2016 flagship puzzle, and while we have to wait until early September (probably) for its launch, information about the new iPhone is leaking almost daily – the latest of which points towards a change for the famous home button.

According to a leaked image from mobipicker claiming to show the front of the iPhone 7, the home button appears to not be a button at all, and rather a touch sensitive pad.

The site claims its source confirms the new "button" will be flush with the body of the iPhone, instead of its current indented nature.

iPhone 7 - LEAK

The new home button on the iPhone 7? (credit: mobipicker)

Slim fast

What could this change mean for the iPhone 7? The removal of a large, physically movable button would mean Apple could slim its smartphone down even more.

The iPhone 6S currently comes in at just 7.1mm, while the new Moto Z is a super svelte 5.2mm – could Apple be about to challenge for the title of 'world's thinnest phone'? Probably not, but a slimmer iPhone is a real possibility.

There's no guarantee that the snap or supplied information is accurate, but there's been a lot of talk recently about Apple's future plans for its Touch ID sensor and home button.

Previous reports have suggested it may be moved on-screen. Perhaps this is a stepping stone to that greater future.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.