On Wednesday, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, marking a new chapter for the brand as the successor to the iPhone SE. Unlike its predecessors, which mirrored the design aesthetics of the iPhone 8, this latest model borrows its look from the iPhone 14. This transition comes with numerous advantages, but it also signifies a significant change: the official retirement of the Home button.

With the introduction of the iPhone 16e, every iPhone and iPad currently offered by Apple is devoid of the Home button (which previously saw its end with the discontinuation of the iPod Touch). This truly marks the conclusion of an era. Rather than lament its passing, it’s time to remember the Home button—examining its successes, shortcomings, and the road ahead.

The Journey of the Home Button

When the iPhone first debuted in 2007, the spotlight was primarily on its impressive screen—marketed as revolutionary with its 3.5 inches. Yet, it wasn’t only the touchscreen features that gained attention; the Home button also played a significant role.

Steve Jobs, during his announcements, said: “On the front, there’s just one button down there. We refer to it as the ‘Home’ button: It transports you back home from any app.”

Initially, the Home button served a singular purpose. Leaving an application? Just tap the Home button. Simple as that.

However, users quickly demanded more functionality. The Home button evolved to cater to these needs, one of its first newly-adopted roles being the ability to take screenshots. For anyone familiar with earlier iPhone models, the combination of pressing the Sleep/Wake button alongside the Home button achieved this feat (recent iPhones now use the Side button plus the Volume up button instead). It was a moment where the Home button expanded its capabilities.

Voice Control came next, introduced as a precursor to Siri and available with the iPhone 3GS in 2009. Activation required a long press on the Home button to prompt Voice Control, which users could then command to perform various tasks such as calling someone or playing a song.

With the arrival of iOS 4 in 2010, Apple innovated by allowing app switching through double-clicking the Home button, unveiling a menu of recently used applications at the screen’s bottom for easier navigation without returning to the Home Screen.

The iPhone 4S saw a significant evolution of the Home button through the introduction of Siri. By long-pressing this button, users could summon Apple’s virtual assistant for help with tasks—though Siri’s performance has often sparked debate regarding its effectiveness.

Touch ID arrived next with the iPhone 5s, marking another evolution, as the Home button became a fingerprint reader. The once-familiar rounded square symbol was replaced by seamless glass, enabling users to unlock their devices without entering a passcode.

The final metamorphosis of the Home button occurred with the iPhone 7 series, transitioning from a physical button to a capacitive one. The implementation of a Taptic Engine beneath the phone’s surface simulated a button press sensation, creating feedback although the button itself remained static. Users often reminisced about the panic of a dead Home button during critical moments.

The Evolution of Devices

The Home button held relevance in various Apple products for years—excluding Macintosh systems. Whether it was an iPhone, iPad, or even an iPod touch, the Home button was a common feature. However, as technology progressed, adaptations became necessary.

Over time, the Home button occupied valuable screen space. While competitors moved towards edge-to-edge displays, the iPhone retained its more traditional design for nearly a decade. Though the models evolved visually, the familiar bezels remained intact.

For the iPhone X, Apple sought a dramatic redesign, pushing the boundaries of display technology, which necessitated the elimination of the Home button. Opting for Face ID allowed for a near-full-screen experience for their “10th anniversary iPhone.”

Comparing the iPhone 8 (left) to the iPhone X (right).
Credit: Marques Brownlee/YouTube

The Home button didn’t disappear entirely with the iPhone X; it persisted through the release of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, which still utilized the capacitive button design. However, the following year saw the flagship models—iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR—all forgo the Home button.

At that point, only the iPhone SE series featured a Home button, and it remained on several iPad models until innovations in 2018 and beyond led to its phased-out presence, culminating in the most recent iPhone 16e.

The Legacy of the Home Button

While gesture controls certainly have their merits, the Home button had its own undeniable advantages. For many users, especially with Face ID devices, it’s easy to forget how effortlessly one could unlock the phone without the fuss of positioning themselves just right. Touch ID allowed users to authenticate themselves in a more relaxed demeanor, regardless of their physical arrangement.

Simply put, a physical button provides a tactile experience that swipe gestures cannot replicate. With the Home button, users had immediate feedback from a click. Though swiping gestures have become second nature, the satisfaction of a simple press has been hard to replace.

The Home button also allowed for a bit of creativity in its use. Each device’s Touch ID feature could store up to five fingerprints, providing users with the option to unlock their device using any finger, making access convenient regardless of how one positioned their hands.

Limitations of the Home Button

However, buttons aren’t without their drawbacks; they can become worn over time. While many users managed to keep their Home buttons functional, others faced frustrations when the button became non-responsive. DIY fixes were possible, but maintaining Touch ID often required professional help at a steep cost.

Although Touch ID offers certain benefits, it proves less effective in challenging scenarios. For instance, wet hands or dry skin can hinder its use, while using gloves necessitates removing them altogether. In contrast, Face ID is regarded as more secure, providing a greater level of protection against unauthorized access as backed by Apple’s claims.

The additional screen area gained from removing the Home button is clear. While the last iPhone with a Home button featured a display size of 5.5 inches, the smallest current Face ID iPhone boasts a 6.1-inch screen. However, despite some discrepancies in video playback size, the advantages for general usage remain significant.

The Home Button’s Impact Will Last

The Home button may no longer grace Apple’s lineup, but it has forged an indelible legacy. For a decade, it was a defining characteristic of the iPhone experience, setting it apart in a market filled with look-alikes.

Additionally, while the Home button itself is classified as obsolete, it lingers in devices still in use today. A number of legacy iPhones, including the second and third-generation iPhone SE, remain functional, ensuring the Home button’s influence endures in software development for the foreseeable future.

While Apple may not offer new iPhones with a Home button, alternative options abound. Retailers often stock both new and refurbished models, allowing users to procure an older iPhone model without significant expenditure. In summary, the Home button was a crucial element for a significant period, continuing to hold relevance in a world where technology continues to evolve.