Phil Schiller took the stage at Apple's keynote, announcing that the iPhone 7 Home button is now static and force sensitive. The removal of a physical home button allows for the new Home button to make use of Apple's Taptic Engine.
The Home button will now use vibrations to deliver the notifications to users, as well as the ability to use Quick Actions, Messages, Notifications, and more in a new way.
Schiller announced that the Taptic Engine API will open up the new Home button to third-party developers. This means developers can choose the way we receive notifications from their apps.
The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available for pre-order on September 9, with shipping beginning September 16.