Many of the top technology firms worldwide are shifting back to conventional interfaces, moving away from the earlier trend of integrating touch screens into their products. The use of touch screens was once celebrated as a symbol of cutting-edge technology.
This shift is not confined to mobile devices; even prominent car manufacturers are returning to the traditional method of using buttons. The newest iPhone design showcases buttons that are almost level with the device’s surface.
Although buttons come with their own challenges, such as the potential to get stuck and the need for more force to use, the rise of touch screens was initially seen as a remedy.
Apple is among the companies re-embracing traditional features, as demonstrated by the recent iPhone 16 launch, which introduced a new ‘action’ button and a touch bar for camera controls.
In 2021, Apple also reinstated physical function keys on the MacBook Pro after previously favoring a touch bar, as reported by the WSJ.
Physical buttons, knobs, and sliders are experiencing a resurgence in vehicles, household appliances, and personal electronic devices.
Companies are reintroducing physical buttons on gadgets that had transitioned entirely to touchscreen controls. They are seeking expert advice to enhance these tactile elements and create a more intuitive user experience. A recent survey indicated that over 82% of participants felt that touchless interfaces would offer superior hygiene benefits.
Apple’s renewed focus on physical controls indicates that businesses are acknowledging customer dissatisfaction with touchscreens, which have increasingly become a point of frustration, as highlighted by the Wall Street Journal.
Earlier this year, the well-known European New Car Assessment Program announced that starting in January 2026, cars must include physical controls for specific features to qualify for a five-star safety rating.
Apple illustrates that companies are not just reintroducing buttons; they are innovating them. The camera control now features touch capabilities, and the company has also launched a “force sensor” that enables AirPods to respond when their stems are squeezed.
