Apple’s 2019 model iPhones are rumored to feature a new Taptic Engine, that could also feature an improved Haptic Touch alongside a reworked 3D Touch feature across all of the new models.
The Taptic Engine has been a long-standing feature of the iPhone for a number of generations, replacing an older linear actuator system with one that provides a wide array of different levels of vibration power and sensations. Over time, the Taptic Engine has been able to provide tactile feedback to the user when performing actions, and even mimicked the sensation of motion when pressing the static home button.
The updated Tactic Engine is allegedly being developed under the nickname “Leap Haptics,” although specific improvements to the feature have yet to be announced.
The report seems to correlate with a supply chain story from July 9, where it was claimed Apple may “remove 3D Touch sensors from all 2019 iPhone devices.” In theory, switching away from 3D Touch would save Apple from having to include pressure sensitivity in its iPhone displays, reducing the complexity and cost of production.
The 2018 iPhones, including the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, included 3D Touch, which allowed for quick menu actions to appear when an app’s icon is pressed down with a bit more force on the screen than usual. The iPhone XR left out the 3D Touch feature to migrate to Haptic Touch, a version that used the length of time of a press to trigger alternate actions, but did not bring up the small menus in its first iteration.
If Apple is to remove 3D Touch from all of the 2019 iPhones, it seems logical that Haptic Touch would be its replacement.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider