3D Touch was a feature developed by Apple for certain iPhone models, providing a pressure-sensitive touch input to enable additional functionality based on the force with which a user pressed the screen. It was introduced with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus in 2015 but has been gradually phased out in later iPhone models.
Key features of 3D Touch included:
- Pressure Sensitivity: 3D Touch allowed the iPhone’s display to recognize different levels of pressure applied by the user. This pressure sensitivity added a new dimension to touch input, distinguishing between a regular tap and a more forceful press.
- Peek and Pop: One of the prominent features enabled by 3D Touch was “Peek and Pop.” Users could “peek” into content by applying light pressure to preview emails, messages, links, and other items without fully opening them. A deeper press, referred to as a “pop,” would open the selected item.
- Quick Actions: 3D Touch provided quick access to shortcuts or actions directly from the app icons on the home screen. For example, pressing firmly on the Camera app icon could reveal options like taking a selfie, recording a video, or taking a photo.
- Pressure-Sensitive Drawing: In certain applications, such as Notes, 3D Touch allowed users to draw lines with variable thickness by adjusting the pressure applied to the screen.
- Cursor Control: When typing, 3D Touch allowed users to press and hold on the keyboard to turn it into a trackpad, making it easier to precisely move the cursor for text editing.
Despite its innovative capabilities, 3D Touch was gradually phased out by Apple. The last iPhone models to include 3D Touch were the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, both released in 2018. In subsequent models, such as the iPhone 11 series and iPhone SE (2nd generation), Apple replaced 3D Touch with Haptic Touch, a similar feature that uses long-press gestures with haptic feedback instead of pressure sensitivity.
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the latest iPhone models have continued to use Haptic Touch rather than 3D Touch. Apple’s decision to move away from 3D Touch has been attributed to factors such as simplifying the design, reducing manufacturing costs, and maintaining a consistent user experience across devices.