Apple will release the new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models later this year with a boatload of new changes in terms of design. While the standard models will come with notable improvements, the 'Pro' models are slated to arrive with a plethora of hardware changes. One of the physical changes that we are most excited about is the new solid-state Volume and Power buttons. We are now hearing that the iPhone 15 Pro's solid-state buttons will feature a low-energy microprocessor which will allow them to operate despite the device having zero battery. Scroll down to read more details on the new design and how it will work.

iPhone 15 Pro models to feature solid-state buttons with a low-energy microprocessor to aid in operation when the device is turned off or has zero battery

We have previously reported that the iPhone 15 Pro models will come with solid-state Volume and Power buttons instead of mechanical keys. The entire mechanism will be very similar to how Apple replaced the clicky Home button with a solid-state button with the iPhone 7. To make it happen, the iPhone 15 Pro models will also house three Taptic Engines for the required haptic feedback that mimics an actual button press. The latest suggests that Apple's solid-state buttons in the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature a new low-energy microprocessor.

The low-energy microprocessor will allow the buttons to work even if the device is off and even when the battery runs out completely. The news was shared on Macrumors forums, stating that the new microprocessors will take the place of the existing low-energy mode that allows the iPhone to be discovered via Find My. Furthermore, the new iPhone 15 Pro microprocessor will also handle UWB and Bluetooth LE capabilities.

It was previously discovered that Apple will also offer a solid-state solution for the mute switch. Currently, the switch operates mechanically, and if rumors are true, we might see a solid-state mute switch that will work the same way as the buttons. When the battery runs out, the microprocessor will take over and detect capacitive button presses and additional functions for the associated command.

Currently, the Cupertino giant is testing the new solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro with microprocessors but without Taptic Engines when the device is turned off. However, Apple's tests do not yet include a solution for when the battery runs out completely. The iPhone 15 launch is still months away, and Apple would potentially find a way to make it happen.

Take note that the rumor is still young, and the final word rests with Apple. We will share additional information on the solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro as soon as further details are available. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.