AppleInsider Staff
Apple has started early production of its next-generation iPhone models that will retain 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch form factors and integrate Force Touch technology, a report said Friday.
Citing industry sources, Bloomberg reports Apple suppliers are in the midst of an early manufacturing run of the company's next iPhone models, which will bring pressure-sensitive Force Touch technology to the popular handset.
Apple first deployed Force Touch in Apple Watch as an alternative means of user input. Sensors installed around the edge of Watch's screen measure the amount of force being exerted by a user's finger, which is then translated into gesture control signals. A similar implementation made its way into the new 12-inch MacBook's trackpad.
Previous rumors claimed Apple would restrict Force Touch capabilities to the larger "iPhone 6s Plus" model, much like the current iPhone 6 Plus features exclusive optical image stabilization, but today's report suggests pressure-sensitive screens will come standard on all next-gen models.
Additionally, sources said transitioning to the new handset line should be a smooth process for manufacturers, as Apple's upcoming iPhones retain current iPhone 6 series designs. As with any new technology, however, the incorporation of Force Touch could affect display assembly yields and cause production slow downs.
Following the initial run, mass production could begin as soon as August.
Charles Martin
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55 Comments
I'm more curious on the A9 than anything; I don't think Apple can get away with a third Cyclone revision.
But but there will be 4" version this year..., No?
BTW, I guess there're still 6/6+ for second tier and 6S/6S+ for high tier while 5S to low tier and 5C to vanish.
Apple would not worry about cannibalization of "S" version for keeping 6/6+ in mid tier because people buy 6S for performance and this year, they'll get Force Touch, no protrude/better camera (because the phone is 0.2mm thicker according to Mac Rumors), better CPU/GPU, more RAM.
Whoever thinks Apple will discontinue 6 or 6+ because of cannibalization, think again.
Not sure what benefits force touch would bring to iPhone as there are enough screen estate to accommodate necessary UI. I am all for it if the force touch is used to improve the home button.
Not sure what benefits force touch would bring to iPhone as there are enough screen estate to accommodate necessary UI. I am all for it if the force touch is used to improve the home button.
They have force touch on the apple watch.
Not sure what benefits force touch would bring to iPhone as there are enough screen estate to accommodate necessary UI. I am all for it if the force touch is used to improve the home button.
Tons of benefits. By accessing ForceTouch, Apple can create another layer of menus. Also, I would love to see the Virtual TrackPad at the bottom of the phone screen activated by ForceTouch. The virual TrackPad will allow to move a cursor around the phone screen without the fingers covering what's on the screen.