Why? I actually still have a 6S and I find the physical button feels mushy in comparison to the new solid state / haptic button. Is there a disadvantage I'm missing?
I had a 5S which has the first generation touch ID paired with a physical button, which I considered to be the best home button on any iPhone I'd owned. I've since switched to the 7 plus and now think the haptic/solid state button is superior. Having the whole bottom of the phone simulate a click feels really satisfying, and knowing that no physical hinge is involved gives me confidence that the effect won't deteriorate with time or use.
Just as moving from a physical keyboard to touchscreen reduces moving parts and therefore many points of failure, moving to a solid state home button eliminates a very common and critical point of failure.
Really? Interesting to hear, I love there new 'button', with its multi pressure level sensor and it's feedback I think it's fantastic and hey - it's one less moving piece (maybe the last?).