Physical buttons are making a comeback after years of dominance by touch screens in cars, appliances and mobile phones. Even Apple has embraced the design feature once again. The new iPhone 16 has two additional buttons.
Automakers are not far behind as brands like Kia, BMW and Volkswagen are adding knobs and toggles to their new models after receiving complaints from customers about touch screens.
Why?
While touch screens have taken over our lives over the last few years, they often have flaws.
Users need to look at the touchpad to operate, which can be distracting, especially while driving. They are also a safety hazard.
A 2017 study found it takes drivers 40 seconds more to complete a task using touch screens.
Tesla, which uses a full touch screen interface, has received criticism for this reason. Apple’s move to do away with physical buttons across the top of its MacBook Pros also faced criticism, prompting the tech giant to replace the touchbar in 2021.
Reintroducing physical controls into devices makes it easy and intuitive to use. For instance, buttons and knobs in cars allow drivers to make changes without taking their eyes off the road.
The return of buttons taps into a sense of touch and spatial awareness (proprioception), making gadgets easier to use.
Some countries are making buttons on devices mandatory. EU car safety regulators, like the European New Car Assessment Program, announced earlier this year that beginning in 2026, certain features in vehicles must have physical controls to receive a five-star safety rating.