AppleInsider Staff
Code discovered in a recent iOS build suggests Apple is testing implementations of pressure-sensitive Force Touch gesture technology in its next-generation smartphone hardware, anticipated to launch in the coming weeks.
Developer Hamza Sood, who has a track record of uncovering unannounced features hidden within Apple source code, was able to generate pseudo code that appears to enable deep press trackpad gestures for selecting UI text. It is thought that such capabilities will be borne out through Force Touch hardware on upcoming "iPhone 6s" models.
"Some force touch code in iOS. Looks like they've tested kb trackpad gestures on the 6s, activated via force touch," Sood said in a Tweet on Wednesday.
AppleInsider first received word of Apple's plans to proliferate Force Touch to iOS devices in February, with sources saying this year's iPhone variants will sport the pressure-sensitive input mechanism debuted on Apple Watch. Apple has since integrated Force Touch into its MacBook product line, including the latest MacBook Pros and 12-inch MacBook with Retina display.
Recent rumors suggest Apple suppliers started ramping up iPhone 6s Force Touch module production in July ahead of a fall release. Aside from Force Touch, the forthcoming handset is expected to include an all-new A9 system-on-chip, a chassis made from 7000 series aluminum, enhanced camera hardware, integrated Qualcomm transceiver and more.
Apple is widely expected to announce a refreshed iPhone lineup alongside new Apple TV hardware at a special event in September.
William Gallagher
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19 Comments
Hopefully with a more intuitive implementation than the Apple Watch, because wow.
I'll definitely be getting the 6S regardless. Apropos of nothing, it would be nice if the Magic Mouse had an "ignore light touches that appear to be accidental" feature...
[quote name="Cash907" url="/t/187884/ios-code-suggests-iphone-6s-will-feature-force-touch-technology#post_2766327"]Hopefully with a more intuitive implementation than the Apple Watch, because wow.[/quote] I agree the Watch implementation is somewhat hidden -- you have to deep-press and see what happens -- but now that I know what happens within each app, I use the Force Touch all the time.
[quote name="Slprescott" url="/t/187884/ios-code-suggests-iphone-6s-will-feature-force-touch-technology#post_2766335"] I agree the Watch implementation is somewhat hidden -- you have to deep-press and see what happens -- but now that I know what happens within each app, I use the Force Touch all the time.[/quote] IMO it'd be good if there was a visual cue that force touch is available on a particular screen within each app. I often forget to think about trying it out in various Watch apps and miss half the functionality. It'd only need something simple such as a slight wiggle when the app opened (like the one you get when you force touch something non-force-touchable) and it'd let you know FT is available on that screen, and at the same time [i]remind[/i] you that force touch is a thing.
[quote name="Cash907" url="/t/187884/ios-code-suggests-iphone-6s-will-feature-force-touch-technology#post_2766327"]Hopefully with a more intuitive implementation than the Apple Watch, because wow.[/quote] What's intuitive about long press in iOS? If you never used an iOS device before would you know that long press brings up a copy/paste menu, or that you long process to insert a photo or video into an email?