# The Conclusion of an Era: Apple Phases Out the Home Button in All Devices
In a notable transformation in design approach, Apple has formally phased out the Home button from all its devices, signifying the conclusion of an era that commenced with the debut of the original iPhone in 2007. The move away from the Home button has been incremental, with initial indications surfacing as early as 2022 when Apple halted the production of the iPod series, including the iPod touch, which was the first device to forgo the emblematic button. Subsequently, that year, the Home button was also removed from the iPad range with the launch of the 10th generation model.
## The Introduction of the iPhone 16e
The definitive conclusion for the Home button came with the launch of the iPhone 16e, an economical alternative to the iPhone 16, which is priced $200 less than the prior entry-level version. This new device takes the place of the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 in Apple’s offerings, effectively closing the chapter on the Home button in the iPhone series. The discontinuation of the iPhone SE further indicates that no Apple product will have the Home button, which had remained in some version until now.
## A Brief Overview of the Home Button
The Home button was an iconic feature of the iPhone, acting as the sole physical means of navigation for users. It enabled users to return to the Home screen from any application, with double and triple-clicks providing additional functions. The arrival of Siri in 2011 further solidified the button’s significance, as holding it down was the exclusive method to summon Apple’s voice assistant at that moment.
The design of the original Home button showcased a squircle icon, representing the shape of iPhone app icons. Interestingly, Apple also produced an iPod touch featuring a Home button that replaced the squircle with a circle, aligning it with the app icon grid of the iPod nano.
## Progression of the Home Button
In 2013, Apple updated the standard Home button to incorporate Touch ID on the iPhone 5s, introducing a fingerprint sensor that eliminated the squircle icon. This modification resulted in a considerable rise in the adoption of passcodes for device security.
By 2016, Apple advanced further by implementing a solid-state Home button on the iPhone 7. This iteration did not physically click but instead employed haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine to recreate the feeling of a button press. This advancement addressed a common point of failure, as the physical Home button could degrade over time, compelling users to depend on virtual on-screen buttons to sustain their devices’ resale appeal.
The gradual discontinuation of the Home button began in earnest with the release of the iPhone X in 2017, which showcased an all-screen design. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus were the final models to feature the Home button, launched alongside the iPhone X.
## The Ultimate Farewell
Since then, the Home button was only found on the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3, which retained the iPhone 8 design. With the debut of the iPhone 16e, Apple has thoroughly adopted a gesture-based navigation system across all its current iPhone models, indicating a complete transition to a contemporary, full-screen experience.
The removal of the Home button signifies not only a design evolution but also a transformation in user interaction with technology. As Apple continues to push boundaries, the elimination of the Home button reflects a more extensive trend towards immersive and intuitive interfaces that prioritize screen space and user experience.
As we say goodbye to the Home button, we can acknowledge its influence in shaping our interactions with devices over the last 16 years. The Home button was more than just a physical element; it epitomized Apple’s dedication to user-friendly design and innovation. The future has arrived, and it is entirely free of buttons.
