Apple Says Goodbye to 3 Iconic iPhone Components

Several iPhone models, including the iPhone SE 3, have been discontinued. However, all current iPhone models feature OLED displays, which improve the user experience. This also means that Apple is saying goodbye to the three icons that have been associated with the iPhone for a long time.

Home button and Touch ID

The Home button has been the symbol of the iPhone since the first generation, while Touch ID was introduced on the iPhone 5s in 2013. However, with the advancement of technology, maintaining the Home button and Touch ID has become unfeasible.

While there have been rumors that Apple will combine Touch ID and Face ID, that hasn't happened yet. The iPhone 16e has officially said goodbye to the Home button and Touch ID on the iPhone. However, Touch ID is still used on other products like iPads and Macs.

Lightning port and USB-A cable

Once a key part of the iPhone's design, the Lightning port has now been officially phased out by the European Union (EU) in favor of USB-C. The Lightning port has been a big draw since its debut on the iPhone 5 in 2012, but it's now gone from Apple's mainline products. Some refurbished iPhones still have the Lightning port, but they're no longer officially available from the online Apple Store. iPads have now moved to USB-C.

While some older USB-A cables are still included with Lightning-enabled products, Apple has made a shift to include a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box since the iPhone 15.

Mute switch

Apple will retain the silent switch until the iPhone 16 launches in September 2024. This feature is also absent on the iPhone 16e, which is equipped with an Action button like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16, allowing users to customize various functions, including silent mode.

The launch of the iPhone 16e is not only a technological step forward but also opens a new era for Apple, as the company continues to connect and convince users with products that integrate advanced technology, while still maintaining the identity of the iPhone.