Apple builds in a fail-safe for when iPhone 7’s new Home Button bites the dust 

When the new home button was introduced on the iPhone 7, it was just one less moving part that could fail. Although it isn’t without its flaws. One MacRumors forum member has posted a photo of his device warning that “The Home Button May Need Service”. Since the button is solid state, iOS 10 will now offer a software button workaround at the bottom of the display.

Currently it’s unknown why the button has failed, but the owner notes that the message popped up after plugging in the phone to charge. They also note that the Taptic Engine “kept firing 3-4 times in a row for every press”. The stand-in button at the bottom of the device appears to be similar to the Assistive Touch accessibility option.

This could give us a glimpse into what Apple might implement should it decide to completely ditch the Home button with next year’s iPhone. It’s nice that Apple might have saw this coming and at least offered users some sort of option for using the phone before having to bring it in for service.