For over a decade, the “click” of the home button was the heartbeat of the iPhone experience. It was simple, reliable, and satisfying. But as Apple moved toward edge-to-edge screens and Face ID, that iconic button slowly disappeared from the flagship lineup.
If you are one of the millions of users who prefer Touch ID over facial recognition, you are likely asking: What is the last iPhone with a home button?
The short answer is the iPhone SE (3rd Generation, 2022).
While the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were the last numbered models to feature the button, the 2022 iPhone SE is the final device to combine this classic design with modern internals. In this guide, we’ll explore whether this device is still a smart buy, how it compares to newer models, and what your options are as Apple phases out this beloved feature.
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The Last Guardian: Meet the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The iPhone SE 3rd Generation is a unique device. On the outside, it looks almost identical to the iPhone 8 (released in 2017). On the inside, however, it packs the A15 Bionic chip the same powerhouse processor found in the iPhone 13 lineup.
This combination of vintage design and modern power makes it the undisputed king for home button loyalists.
Key Specs at a Glance
- Release Date: March 2022
- Processor: A15 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU)
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD
- Authentication: Touch ID (fingerprint sensor)
- Camera: 12MP Wide camera with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4
- Connectivity: 5G capable (Sub-6 GHz)
Unlike older models like the iPhone 6s or 7, which have lost iOS support or slowed down significantly, the last iPhone with a home button is built to run the latest apps and iOS updates for years to come.
Why Do People Still Want the Home Button?
In an era of swipe gestures and facial scanning, the demand for the physical home button remains surprisingly high. Why?
1. Touch ID is faster for many
Face ID is great, but it has limitations. It can struggle if your phone is flat on a desk, or if you are wearing certain types of masks or sunglasses. Touch ID works instantly without you needing to lift the phone or look at it.
2. Muscle Memory and Accessibility
For seniors or non-tech-savvy users, the “swipe up to go home” gesture isn’t intuitive. The physical button provides a clear, tactile anchor. You press it, and you are home. This simplicity is a major accessibility feature that software gestures struggle to replicate.
3. Compact Size
The home button design dictates a smaller form factor. The iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch screen is significantly smaller than the 6.1-inch standard of modern iPhones, making it one of the few truly “one-handed” phones left on the market.
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iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 8: Is It a Real Upgrade?
Many users holding onto their iPhone 7 or 8 are hesitant to upgrade because they don’t want to lose the button. If you switch to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), you keep the external hardware you love but gain massive internal improvements.
| Feature | iPhone 8 (2017) | iPhone SE (3rd Gen, 2022) |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A15 Bionic (Much Faster) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE | 5G |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Camera | 12MP (Basic) | 12MP (Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion) |
| Updates | Discontinued Support | Supported until ~2027-28 |
The Verdict: The iPhone SE is not just a replacement; it is a massive performance leap. Apps open instantly, the camera handles low light much better, and 5G ensures faster browsing speeds.
Will Apple Ever Bring the Home Button Back?
This is a common question, but the answer is likely no.
Apple’s design philosophy has shifted entirely to “all-screen” devices. The gesture-based navigation allows for larger screens in smaller bodies. Industry rumors and supply chain leaks suggest that even the next generation of the budget-friendly SE line (often rumored as the SE 4) will adopt the iPhone 14-style chassis, eliminating the home button and Touch ID in favor of Face ID.
This reality makes the last iPhone with a home button even more significant. Once the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stock is depleted or discontinued, the era of the physical home button on the iPhone will officially end.
Who Should Buy the iPhone SE in 2026?
Despite the outdated bezels, this phone fits specific user profiles perfectly:
- The Minimalist: You want a phone that works, fits in your pocket, and doesn’t constantly demand your attention with a massive screen.
- The Budget Conscious: It remains one of the most affordable entry points into the Apple ecosystem (especially on the refurbished market).
- Seniors & Accessibility Users: The tactile feedback of the button is unmatched for ease of use.
- Corporate Fleets: Many businesses prefer the SE for its low cost and high security via Touch ID.
Alternatives: If You Can’t Find the SE
If you cannot find a new iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or if you are willing to try something new, here are your best transition options:
- iPhone 13 Mini: (Only available refurbished) It lacks the home button but keeps the small form factor that SE users love.
- iPad Mini: If you just want Touch ID, the iPad Mini still features it on the power button (Top Button), proving Apple hasn’t abandoned the technology entirely just on phones.
- Assistive Touch: You can enable an on-screen “virtual home button” on any Face ID iPhone (Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch). It isn’t the same, but it helps bridge the gap.
Conclusion:
The last iPhone with a home button the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is a powerful, reliable workhorse disguised in a retro body. It represents the end of an era for Apple design, serving as the final refuge for those who prioritize simplicity and tactile navigation over edge-to-edge screens.
If you value the convenience of Touch ID and a pocket-friendly size, the iPhone SE 2022 is still a “smart buy.” However, with Apple moving aggressively toward an all-Face ID lineup, buying one sooner rather than later is recommended before stock dries up completely.
The home button may be gone from future roadmap, but for now, it still clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is the newest iPhone that has a home button?
The newest and final iPhone with a home button is the iPhone SE (3rd Generation), released in March 2022. It features the A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.
Does the iPhone 13 or 14 have a home button?
No. The iPhone 13, 14, 15, and newer models all use Face ID and do not have a physical home button. They use swipe gestures for navigation.
Can I still buy an iPhone with a home button in 2026?
Yes, but availability may be limited to refurbished or used inventory depending on stock. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the model to look for.
Is the iPhone 8 still good to use?
The iPhone 8 is no longer supported by the latest iOS updates. For security and app compatibility, it is highly recommended to upgrade to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), which looks the same but runs faster and safer.
Why did Apple remove the home button?
Apple removed the button to maximize screen space (screen-to-body ratio). By removing the “chin” where the button sat, they can fit a larger display into a device of the same physical size.
