Apple is developing iPhone cases with built-in touch controls

Apple is working on official iPhone cases that incorporate additional touch-based interfaces, according to new details shared by well-known leaker Instant Digital on Weibo.

The company reportedly plans to release cases for its Pro models that include touch-sensitive layers. A recent patent filing describes zones integrated directly into the case, using capacitive or pressure-sensitive sensors.

These sensors would be able to trigger actions normally handled by the phone’s physical buttons:

"When the case is attached, the iPhone detects it and reroutes button behavior so that taps, presses, or sliding gestures on the case activate system functions".

The case would also be able to communicate with the device through interfaces such as NFC, enabling identification and signal transmission. Instant Digital also claims that Apple is preparing a major redesign of the iPhone for its 20th anniversary, and the new cases are being engineered with that overhaul in mind.