Apple announced the iOS 17 in the WWDC 2023 event this year. For those who missed the event, just know that Apple introduced a lot of new features at the event. And as we are slowly approaching the public release of the operating system, more and more features are getting unveiled.
Among them, there’s one called the Faster Haptic Touch option. Essentially, it is a reinvented version of the 3D Touch that debuted with the iPhone 6s back in September 2015. And despite the feature having a different name in iOS 17, it works and feels very similar to the 3D Touch that Apple released with iOS 9.
What is 3D Touch?
As mentioned earlier, Apple 3D Touch first came out with the release of the iPhone 6s. But it did not live long. With the release of the iPhone 11, Apple ditched the feature and moved to the Haptic Touch option. So, if you have not used any iPhone with iOS 9 to iOS 13, you might not even know what 3D Touch is.
At the core, 3D Touch is a hardware-based feature. It can perceive the amount of force you are putting on the touch screen. And after it determines the amount of pressure, it will activate different functions in response to the touch. But what functions does 3D Touch offer?
From iOS 9 through iOS 13, the 3D Touch feature allowed users to do many things without needing to navigate away from the home screen. For example, it allowed you to preview mail without opening it. Likewise, the feature allowed access to different functions of the application right from the home screen.
In addition, the iOS versions with 3D Touch brought additional features. To illustrate, you could press on the left side of the screen to enable a multitasking view. This feature on iOS 9 allowed users to swipe from one open app to another. There were others too. That includes quick actions, Peek and Pop, and various app-specific features.
What is Haptic Touch?
Haptic Touch is available on all devices starting from iPhone 11. The feature replaced the 3D Touch function found in the phones that were released with iOS 9 to iOS 13. The key distinction between Haptic Touch and 3D Touch is the absence of a pressure-sensing mechanism in Haptic Touch.
However, you do get the same functionalities that Apple previously offered with 3D Touch. But all of it is handled by the iOS rather than dedicated hardware. In other words, Apple could mimic the same functionality through the software. This reduced the need to spend extra during the manufacturing process.
Fast Option in Haptic Touch Brings Back the Feel of 3D Touch in iOS 17
It goes without saying that iOS 17 is a major update to iPhones. It brings a good number of additions to the table, which are all focused on enhancing the user experience. Apple also fine-tuned many existing features to redefine the overall experience with the software. And among them, there’s Haptic Touch.
On iOS 17, Haptic Touch will make the device register the same response but will deliver prominent feedback. If you have used an iPhone 6s or any iPhones before 11, you might know how good 3D Touch feels when activated. Well, you will get the same feeling with the new Haptic Touch feature.
Of course, you will have to enable the feature in iOS 17. To enable it, you need to go to the settings app, navigate to Haptic Touch, and select the Fast option in the window. Afterward, you will notice a faster response from the software when you tap and hold onto an app or a function.
In addition, the Fast Haptic Touch option offers the same feedback as 3D Touch. You will feel a pop vibration that will let you know that you have activated the Haptic Touch feature.
Haptic Touch Before and After iOS 17
In comparison, the Haptic Touch feature before iOS 17 had a relatively slow response. And it was very slower than the 3D Touch in terms of operation. But with the brand new update, Apple made Haptic Touch open up additional menus at the same speed as the 3D Touch. And that is a big plus.
Moreover, the Haptic Touch feature in iOS 17 now feels more sensitive. This will make the overall experience with the new operating feel more fluid and responsive. And do note that you can enable the Haptic Touch through different methods. Aside from the display setting, it can be turned on through the Accessibility panel found in the settings menu.
Another thing that you should note is that the better Haptic Touch feature is not just limited to iOS 17. It will be coming to iPadOS 17 as well. That means you can enjoy a 3D Touch-like feeling on your iPad too!
When Will Apple Release iOS 17?
As mentioned earlier, Apple is yet to release iOS 17 to the public. It is currently in the initial beta stage. Apple released the first beta to the developers after the WWDC event. At this stage, developers have access to the second beta. And according to the official announcement of the event, Apple will release a public beta on July 2023.
When it comes to the stable version, Apple will debut iOS 17 along with the new iPhone 15 series. And the new iPhone lineup is set to launch in September of this year.