Apple Resurfaces Haptic Button Design with 'Project Bongo' Patent

Apple's Haptic Button Design Resurfaces: The Story of Project Bongo

Apple has resurfaced its once-discarded haptic button design, known as 'Project Bongo,' through a recent patent application. This design initially emerged in 2022 with plans to incorporate haptic volume and power buttons into more expensive iPhone models, aiming to provide distinct tactile feedback and differentiate between base and Pro lineup iPhones.

Development History

• 2022: Initial concept development for haptic buttons in premium iPhone models.
• April 2023: Abrupt removal of the Bongo design from the iPhone 15 Pro prototypes, leading to the belief that the project was shelved.
• September 2023: Patent application filed but only made public in April 2025, marking the first official acknowledgment of Project Bongo.

Technical Details

The haptic button design uses flexures and strain gauges to detect pressure changes. When a press is detected, an electrical signal triggers the 'Bongo Haptic Engine,' an electromagnetic reluctance motor consisting of a ferromagnetic core and copper coil. This setup produces haptic feedback by oscillating in relation to an attraction plate.

Patent Application Scope

• Devices: The patent mentions that the Bongo design could be used in various electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, wearables, wrist-worn devices, head-mounted devices, and even 'electronic pencils.'
• Challenges: Despite the detailed development, the project faced issues such as high hardware failure rates and false touches, leading to its initial shelving.

Future Prospects

While the patent application does not provide new information, it suggests that Apple is keeping the Bongo design in consideration for future products. The technical challenges may be addressed, allowing the haptic button module to resurface in some form on upcoming devices.