The iPad will be the first, it seems, followed by new versions of the iPhone. The "Home" hardware button on the front of the devices will disappear.
It's because of the about to be released iOS4.3 software update for the devices. The beta versions that have gone out to developers for testing, show the OS gives the iPad more screen-swipe gestures, like pinching with four fingers to return to the homescreen from any app.
So, the hardware button isn't needed anymore. And BGR is reporting it has confirmation from Apple sources that the button will go. Apparently, buttonless devices are being tested by Apple employees at the company's headquarters in Cupertino.
So, it seems the iPad-2 - due to be announced fairly soon - could be the first to shed the button.
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