The End of an Era: Home Button Bids Final Farewell as Apple Unveils iPhone 16e

Summary

Apple Discontinues the Home Button on All Products

On February 19, 2025, Apple announced the discontinuation of the Home button across its entire product lineup. This significant change was brought about with the launch of the iPhone 16e, a more affordable version of the iPhone 16 priced $200 less than the previous cheapest model. The new iPhone 16e replaces the iPhone SE and iPhone 14, marking the end of an era for a feature that has been a cornerstone of Apple's design since the first iPhone in 2007.

History of the Home Button

• 2007: Introduced with the original iPhone as the primary physical navigation input, bringing users back to the Home screen.
• 2011: Added functionality for invoking Siri on the iPhone 4S by holding down the button.
• 2013: Integrated Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor on the iPhone 5s, removing the squircle icon.
• 2016: Transitioned to a solid-state Home button with haptic feedback on the iPhone 7.
• 2017: Began phasing out the Home button with the launch of the iPhone X, which introduced an all-screen design and gesture-based navigation.

Impact and Legacy

• The Home button was a key feature for years, but its susceptibility to failure led many users to rely on virtual alternatives or haptic feedback versions.
• The final holdouts were the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3, which kept the iPhone 8 design.
• With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple has fully embraced a full-screen, gesture-based navigation system across its entire iPhone lineup.

Related Accessories

• Wireless CarPlay adapter: Enhances in-car experience with wireless connectivity.
• iPhone MagSafe battery: Provides convenient charging and attachment options.
• USB-C iPhone charger: Supports faster charging and modern standards.
• Apple AirTag: Helps track and locate items.
• AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2: Offer advanced audio features and noise cancellation.
• Apple Pencil Pro: Enhances productivity and creative tasks.