Smartphones and Cars Get Back to Basics: The Comeback of Physical Buttons

In recent years, touch screens have taken over our devices and cars. But, it seems that many companies are now reversing this trend and bringing back old-fashioned physical buttons to their products. This shift is not just about nostalgia; experts suggest that it's mainly driven by cost and concerns about driver safety. Automobile manufacturers like BMW and Volkswagen are leading this movement. They're opting for buttons instead of touch screens to reduce distractions on the road. In fact, the European New Car Assessment Program has made it mandatory for vehicles to have physical buttons to receive a five-star safety rating. Even tech giants like Apple are jumping on the bandwagon. The latest iPhone 16 release features a new "action" button, and the company has also brought back physical function keys to their MacBook Pros after initially upgrading to a touch bar. Apple's decision was reportedly influenced by the desire to "bring back the familiar, tactical feel of mechanical keys that pro users love."

So, why are companies making this switch? One reason is that touch screens can be prone to malfunctions, especially in situations where water, heat, or rough handling are involved. Additionally, physical buttons are often more intuitive and easier to use than touch screens, which can be distracting and require drivers to take their eyes off the road. This move towards physical buttons isn't just a fashion statement; it's a response to genuine concerns about driver safety. As Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at the European New Car Assessment Program, pointed out, "The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes."

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