Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Force Touch

Force Touch is a pressure-sensitive haptic technology developed by Apple Inc. that enables touch interfaces, such as displays and trackpads, to detect and respond to varying levels of applied force, distinguishing between light taps and deeper presses to trigger contextual actions and provide tactile feedback.^[1] Introduced on September 9, 2014, with the first-generation Apple Watch, Force Touch debuted as a feature of the device's Retina display, allowing users to access additional functions—like app switcher or settings—by applying firmer pressure to the screen, enhancing navigation without cluttering the interface. Pressure-sensing Force Touch on Apple Watch displays was later replaced by Haptic Touch software gestures starting with watchOS 7 in 2020.^[1] This innovation relied on embedded force sensors beneath the display surface, paired with Apple's Taptic Engine, a linear resonant actuator that delivers precise vibrations to simulate physical clicks or notifications.^[2] The technology expanded to Mac computers in March 2015 with the launch of the 12-inch MacBook, where it powered the Force Touch trackpad—a solid-state surface without moving parts that uses four force sensors at the corners to measure pressure and simulate the feel of traditional clicking through haptic responses.^[3] This trackpad supports Force Click, a gesture combining an initial press with increased pressure to perform advanced tasks, such as previewing files in Finder, identifying song lyrics in Music, or renaming items in apps, thereby adding a layer of efficiency to macOS interactions.^[4] Subsequent models, including the MacBook Pro (starting October 2016) and MacBook Air (from 2018), incorporated larger Force Touch trackpads with pressure-sensitive drawing capabilities in apps like Preview and pixel-perfect cursor control, while maintaining compatibility with Multi-Touch gestures like pinching and swiping.^[5]^[6] Although Force Touch shares foundational principles with the iPhone's 3D Touch—introduced in September 2015 with the iPhone 6s for on-screen pressure-based shortcuts like Peek and Pop— the two differ in implementation: Force Touch primarily uses strain-gauge sensors for trackpads and watch displays, offering binary or ternary pressure levels with broader haptic simulation, whereas 3D Touch employed a more granular capacitive overlay on iPhone screens for up to three distinct force tiers before its discontinuation in 2019 in favor of software-based Haptic Touch.^[7] As of November 2025, Force Touch remains a core feature in Apple's Mac lineup, including the Magic Trackpad accessory, with adjustable pressure sensitivity aiding users with motor impairments and integrating seamlessly with macOS Sequoia for enhanced productivity.^[8] Its design emphasizes durability, with no mechanical wear, and contributes to thinner device profiles by eliminating traditional buttons.^[9]

Overview

Definition and Principles

Force Touch is Apple's proprietary haptic technology designed to detect and respond to discrete levels of pressure applied to touch-sensitive surfaces, such as displays and trackpads, allowing for more sophisticated user interactions than conventional binary touch detection.^[10] This system interprets force inputs to trigger context-aware actions, enhancing input precision by measuring not just touch location but also intensity.^[11] At its core, Force Touch operates on principles of force measurement using sensors like strain gauges, which detect mechanical deformation caused by applied pressure on the touch surface.^[12] These sensors, typically arranged at multiple points (e.g., corners) beneath the surface, generate electrical signals proportional to the force, enabling the system to distinguish between discrete levels such as a light touch for basic navigation and a firm press for additional actions such as previews or secondary functions.^[10] The force data is processed to compute a force centroid—a weighted average of sensor readings that determines both the magnitude and location of the applied pressure—allowing accurate calibration against predefined thresholds to filter noise and confirm intentional inputs.^[10] These thresholds are dynamically adjusted during user calibration to account for individual pressing habits, ensuring reliable differentiation between pressure intensities without requiring physical movement of the surface.^[11] The technology integrates a Taptic Engine, a linear resonant actuator that delivers precise vibrational feedback synchronized with pressure detection, simulating the tactile sensation of physical clicks or button presses to provide immersive confirmation of actions.^[13] This haptic response reinforces the pressure-based inputs, making interactions feel more natural and responsive by bridging the gap between virtual and physical touch experiences.^[13] Overall, the operational concept translates raw force signals into software triggers, where exceeding a light threshold activates previews and surpassing a higher one executes commitments, all while maintaining seamless integration with existing touch interfaces.^[10]

Development History

Development of Force Touch began as part of Apple's efforts to advance beyond traditional multitouch interfaces, with early patent filings for force-sensing trackpads dating back to 2011.^[12] By 2013-2014, internal work focused on integrating pressure-sensitive technology with haptic feedback, culminating in the creation of the Taptic Engine to provide precise tactile responses.^[14] This built on the multitouch foundation established with the original iPhone in 2007, aiming to enable more intuitive interactions by distinguishing varying levels of pressure.^[15] Force Touch was officially unveiled on September 9, 2014, during Apple's event introducing the first-generation Apple Watch, where it was highlighted as a key feature of the device's Retina display to differentiate taps from presses.^[1] The technology debuted in the Apple Watch later that year, marking Apple's first consumer product with pressure-sensitive input paired with the Taptic Engine for immediate haptic confirmation.^[16] Apple's motivations included enhancing user accessibility by simulating physical button presses without mechanical components and reducing reliance on traditional inputs for better efficiency.^[17] In March 2015, Apple expanded Force Touch to laptops with the introduction of the 12-inch MacBook, featuring a trackpad that used the technology to deliver haptic "clicks" regardless of pressure applied, eliminating the need for physical depression.^[18] This was followed in May 2015 by the updated 15-inch MacBook Pro, further integrating Force Touch into macOS workflows.^[19] The technology reached smartphones on September 9, 2015, with the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, branded as 3D Touch to emphasize its depth-sensing capabilities on displays.^[20] Force Touch was discontinued on Apple Watch with the release of watchOS 7 in September 2020, with its functions replaced by long-press gestures.^[21] Software support for Force Touch and 3D Touch arrived with iOS 9, announced at WWDC in June 2015 and released in September, enabling developers to incorporate pressure-based shortcuts and previews into apps.^[22] On the Mac side, Force Touch trackpads became standard across MacBook models, persisting through updates like the 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip, which continues to leverage the technology for consistent input experiences.^[23]

Technical Implementation

Hardware Components

The primary hardware components of Force Touch include strain gauge arrays embedded beneath the display glass to detect micro-deformations caused by applied pressure. These gauges, often configured as serpentine traces on flexible metal supports, measure changes in electrical resistance resulting from physical strain, enabling precise force differentiation.^[24] Complementing the sensing elements is the Taptic Engine, a linear resonant actuator (LRA) that generates targeted vibrations for haptic feedback. This compact motor uses electromagnetic coils to oscillate a mass along a linear path at its resonant frequency, producing sharp, customizable pulses rather than broad rotations typical of traditional eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors. The LRA's design enhances power efficiency through low-voltage operation and reduced energy loss, allowing for nuanced tactile responses without significant battery drain.^[16]^[25] In MacBook trackpads, Force Touch employs a rigid glass surface mounted on strain gauge-equipped supports, enabling pressure detection without any mechanical depression of the pad itself. Haptic simulation of physical clicks occurs via the Taptic Engine's vibrations, which create a perceptual "tactile bump" through rapid oscillations against an internal metal rail, maintaining a solid, non-moving structure for durability and precision.^[26]^[27] The hardware incorporates flexible substrates for the strain gauge traces, allowing them to conform to subtle flexing while preserving signal integrity under repeated use. Calibration processes ensure consistent sensitivity across devices by applying known forces at multiple points and adjusting parameters via linear least squares optimization to account for variations in sensor response.^[28]^[12] Over time, Force Touch hardware evolved with refinements in sensor integration, such as denser electrode arrays along curved surfaces in the Apple Watch to improve accuracy in compact form factors. Subsequent models like the Apple Watch Series 3 maintained this architecture while optimizing for better force resolution through enhanced signal processing compatibility, though the core strain-based detection remained consistent until hardware phase-out starting with Series 6 in 2020 in favor of software alternatives. As of November 2025, Force Touch persists in Mac trackpads and the Magic Trackpad accessory.^[12]^[29]

Sensing Mechanics

Force Touch sensing relies on the detection of microscopic deformations in the touch surface assembly caused by applied pressure. When a user presses on the rigid planar member—such as a glass cover or trackpad surface—the force induces subtle flexing or bending, typically less than 0.05 mm in displacement. This deformation is transduced into electrical signals by integrated sensors positioned beneath the surface, primarily through changes in resistance via strain gauges. In trackpad and Apple Watch display implementations, four strain gauges mounted on flexible supports at the corners measure this flexing.^[12]^[26] The core measurement principles leverage piezoresistive effects in strain gauges, where applied strain alters the electrical resistance of conductive traces or materials. These effects quantify force, with sensor outputs processed via calibration curves that map raw signals to pressure levels to distinguish light touches from firm presses. Piezoresistive sensors, common in both trackpads and Watch displays, detect resistance shifts proportional to mechanical stress.^[12] Accuracy is enhanced by combining multiple sensor signals, such as averaging outputs from corner gauges to minimize noise and enable precise force magnitude determination, with response times on the order of milliseconds for seamless detection. Limitations include the need for temperature compensation to counteract environmental influences on sensor resistivity, as well as managing sensitivity in edge cases to prevent erroneous readings from uneven or incidental contacts. For localized pressure mapping, an electrode grid layout—consisting of interleaved drive and sense electrodes across the assembly—allows interpolation of force distribution, providing positional context without mechanical movement of the entire surface.^[12]^[26]

Software Integration

Apple's operating systems integrate Force Touch through APIs that expose pressure data to developers, facilitating pressure-based interactions in applications. On macOS, AppKit offers NSPressureConfiguration for configuring trackpad pressure responses during drags or clicks, allowing apps to detect and respond to force levels on Force Touch trackpads.^[30] In watchOS, Force Touch support is system-managed for actions like contextual menus, with limited direct API access for developers to raw pressure data prior to its deprecation in watchOS 7.^[31] Software processing of Force Touch input involves real-time filtering of sensor signals to distinguish intentional firm presses from lighter touches, using algorithms that analyze force variations to generate reliable press and release events while minimizing noise from incidental contact.^[12] This data is seamlessly integrated with gesture recognizer classes in macOS and watchOS, supporting hybrid gestures that combine positional touch data with pressure thresholds for nuanced user inputs, such as progressive actions that escalate with increasing force.^[32] Users can customize Force Touch sensitivity via system settings. On macOS, options under System Settings > Trackpad allow selection of light, medium, or firm pressure levels to tailor responsiveness.^[4] Xcode provides robust developer tools for Force Touch integration, including simulator options that emulate pressure inputs via a Mac's Force Touch trackpad, allowing testing of API behaviors like force-dependent UI changes without physical devices.^[33] Sample code, such as ForceTouchCatalog for macOS, demonstrates API usage for pressure-sensitive features.

User Experience

Pressure-Based Interactions

Pressure-based interactions in Force Touch enable users to execute context-aware actions by varying the intensity of touch on compatible trackpads, streamlining navigation and content manipulation without relying on multi-step menus. On Mac trackpads, the primary gesture is Force Click, which involves an initial press followed by increased pressure to perform advanced tasks, such as previewing files in Finder by revealing Quick Look, looking up word definitions or addresses in the dictionary or Maps app, or renaming files and folders.^[4] These actions provide rapid access to information, reducing cognitive load during workflows. In applications like Finder and Safari, pressure variations support nuanced controls, such as spring-loading icons for drag-and-drop or identifying elements with graduated force for intuitive manipulation.^[34] Historically on Apple Watch (until watchOS 7 in 2020), Force Touch allowed firm presses on the display to access contextual menus, such as the app switcher, Control Center, or settings, enhancing navigation on the small screen.^[21] Force Touch was discontinued on Apple Watch starting with Series 6 and SE models, with the gesture disabled via software on older devices. Accessibility enhancements ensure broader usability on Mac, with options to adjust trackpad pressure sensitivity and haptic feedback intensity to light, medium, or firm thresholds, accommodating users with motor impairments by minimizing physical effort. Integration with VoiceOver provides haptic cues synchronized with verbal announcements, offering tactile confirmation for Force Click actions to support visually impaired users. These features promote inclusive design by adapting to diverse physical capabilities.^[35] Common daily scenarios on Mac leverage Force Click for efficiency, including pressing firmly on trackpad edges to adjust volume or brightness sliders, or in Music to identify song lyrics. On the trackpad, applying pressure during dragging simulates physical feedback for precise control. Haptic confirmation accompanies these presses to verify successful input.^[4] Interfaces facilitate user adaptation through embedded visual indicators, such as animations that highlight Force Click opportunities, paired with immediate haptic responses to reinforce technique. Usability studies indicate these cues help users distinguish pressure from standard clicks, enabling integration into workflows after brief practice, with app support enhancing effectiveness.^[36]

Haptic Feedback System

The Taptic Engine is Apple's proprietary haptic feedback system, implemented as a custom linear resonant actuator (LRA) that generates precise oscillations to simulate tactile sensations in response to Force Touch inputs.^[13] This design replaces traditional eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motors with an LRA capable of producing sharp, directional vibrations across a frequency range of approximately 80 to 230 Hz, enabling nuanced "click" feelings without audible noise.^[37] Waveform generation within the Taptic Engine allows for varied haptic patterns, such as brief pulses for notifications or sustained rhythms for alerts, by modulating the amplitude and duration of the LRA's drive signals.^[38] Key feedback types provided by the Taptic Engine include simulated force clicks on Force Touch trackpads, which mimic the physical depression of a mechanical button during pressure-sensitive interactions.^[13] On devices like the Magic Trackpad, it delivers edge bounce sensations to indicate scroll boundaries, enhancing spatial awareness during navigation.^[4] Synchronization between the Taptic Engine and Force Touch pressure inputs ensures an immersive experience, with haptic responses triggered in under 10 milliseconds to align closely with user gestures.^[39] Efficient driver software minimizes battery drain by optimizing LRA activation only during relevant events, such as pressure thresholds, while idling the system otherwise to conserve power in portable devices.^[25] On Apple Watch, the Taptic Engine provided feedback for Force Touch inputs until the feature's discontinuation in watchOS 7 (2020), but continues to support wrist-specific patterns like subtle taps for timekeeping via Taptic Time or chimes at set intervals independently of pressure sensing.^[21]^[40] Updates such as those in watchOS 6 added Taptic Chimes for auditory-haptic cues, while later versions like watchOS 10 (as of 2023) refined Digital Crown feedback with linear detents for precise scrolling.^[41] These evolutions maintain haptic consistency across Apple's ecosystem, from Mac trackpads to Apple Watch, by standardizing waveform libraries for uniform tactile responses, though decoupled from Force Touch on newer Watches.^[42]

Applications

Devices and Platforms

Force Touch, branded as 3D Touch on iPhone displays, was first integrated into the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, released in September 2015, allowing users to access contextual menus and shortcuts by applying varying levels of pressure to the screen.^[20] This feature continued across subsequent models, including the iPhone 7, 8, X, and up to the iPhone XS and XS Max in 2018, where it enabled pressure-sensitive interactions like previewing links or app actions.^[43] Following its discontinuation in the iPhone 11 series in 2019, many 3D Touch functionalities were emulated through Haptic Touch, which uses long-press gestures combined with haptic feedback to replicate similar user experiences on later iPhone models without dedicated pressure sensors.^[44]^[45] In the Apple Watch lineup, Force Touch debuted with the original model in April 2015, incorporating pressure-sensitive display capabilities to trigger system menus and settings via firm presses, alongside haptic feedback for the Digital Crown to simulate physical clicks.^[21] This technology remained a core element through early generations, enhancing gesture-based navigation in models up to Series 5. Although Apple phased out Force Touch gesture support in watchOS 7 (released in 2020) for Series 6 and later devices, replacing it with long-press alternatives, the underlying haptic system for the Digital Crown persisted in subsequent models, including Series 10 released in 2024.^[21] Apple introduced the Force Touch trackpad in its MacBook lineup with the 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro in March 2015 and the 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro in May 2015, featuring pressure-sensing surfaces that provide haptic feedback for actions like force clicks to access previews or right-click equivalents without physical buttons.^[46]^[47] This design became standard across MacBook Pro and MacBook Air series, enabling precise control for gestures such as scrolling, zooming, and pressure-sensitive drawing in creative apps. By 2025, the Force Touch trackpad continued in the M4-powered MacBook Air, maintaining compatibility with macOS features for enhanced productivity and multi-touch interactions.^[48] Beyond core devices, Force Touch is implemented in the standalone Magic Trackpad 2 accessory, introduced in October 2015, which uses the same pressure-sensitive haptic technology for desktop and laptop use without built-in trackpads.^[49] However, as of 2025, iPads lack native Force Touch or 3D Touch on their displays, relying instead on standard multi-touch interfaces without pressure sensitivity, though compatible keyboards provide trackpad support via iPadOS.^[4]

Evolution and Replacements

In 2019, with the release of iOS 13, Apple shifted from 3D Touch—a pressure-sensitive display technology closely related to Force Touch principles—to Haptic Touch on newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 11 series.^[50] Haptic Touch simulates pressure-based interactions through long-press gestures combined with haptic feedback from the Taptic Engine, eliminating the need for dedicated pressure-sensing hardware in the display.^[44] This change retained the underlying haptic components derived from Force Touch in supported older models, allowing unified gesture handling across devices while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.^[51] As of 2025, Force Touch remains integral to macOS trackpads on MacBooks and the Magic Trackpad, enabling features like Force Click for contextual actions, dictionary lookups, and file previews with adjustable pressure sensitivity and haptic responses.^[4] However, it was fully phased out in watchOS starting with version 7 in 2020, where pressure-based gestures were replaced by Haptic Touch equivalents to streamline user interactions and simplify hardware design in newer Apple Watch models.^[52] No full deprecation has occurred in Mac hardware, though entry-level devices like the MacBook Air M-series models adapt the technology by prioritizing cost-effective implementations without expanding pressure levels beyond core functionality.^[4] Recent developments point to enhanced haptic integrations building on Force Touch foundations, including rumors of solid-state buttons for the iPhone 20 expected in 2027. These would replace mechanical buttons with vibration-based haptic feedback, allowing differentiation between light and firm presses similar to Force Touch trackpads, integrated into the device frame for improved durability and water resistance.^[53] Some users express preference for the precision of pressure-sensitive features like 3D Touch in professional workflows, though Haptic Touch adoption has grown due to its availability on newer devices.^[54]

Patent Litigation

Apple initiated significant patent enforcement efforts related to its Force Touch technology, particularly in the realm of haptic feedback and pressure sensing. In February 2016, Immersion Corporation filed a lawsuit against Apple in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleging infringement of several patents covering haptic feedback systems used in the Apple Watch, iPhone 6s with 3D Touch, and MacBook trackpads.^[55]^[56] The suit targeted U.S. Patent Nos. 6,424,333 (haptic feedback generation), 8,619,051 (haptic feedback system with controller and actuators), and others related to force-responsive tactile outputs. Immersion also pursued an investigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to block imports of the accused Apple products.^[57] The dispute with Immersion was resolved through a settlement and licensing agreement effective January 26, 2018, under which Apple obtained a license to Immersion's haptic patent portfolio in exchange for an undisclosed payment and ongoing royalties.^[58]^[59] This agreement ended all pending litigation between the parties, including the ITC proceeding, and allowed Apple to continue integrating haptic technologies without further interruption.^[60] Apple's Force Touch innovations were supported by a substantial patent portfolio developed between 2013 and 2016, including key U.S. patents on force detection mechanisms. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 8,633,916, granted in January 2014, describes a touch pad incorporating force sensors and actuators for providing tactile feedback based on applied pressure.^[12] These patents formed the basis of Apple's intellectual property assertions in related disputes. In a broader context, Apple's 2019 settlement with Qualcomm Incorporated encompassed a multi-year global patent cross-license agreement covering a wide range of technologies.^[61] The deal, effective April 1, 2019, resolved ongoing worldwide litigation and included chipset supply terms, reinforcing Apple's strategy of using cross-licensing to protect its touch-related IP.^[62] As of 2025, Apple has maintained aggressive enforcement of its Force Touch-related patents. In August 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated a district court's summary judgment of noninfringement in Taction Technology, Inc. v. Apple Inc., reviving claims that Apple's haptic technologies in iPhones and Apple Watch infringe Taction's patents on vibration feedback systems; no final ruling has been issued in this ongoing case.^[63] No other major adverse rulings have been reported in core haptic and pressure-sensing disputes; this approach underscores the company's IP strategy to safeguard touch interface advancements through settlements and licensing rather than prolonged trials.^[64]

Comparable Technologies

Apple's Haptic Touch, introduced with iOS 13 in 2019, serves as the primary successor to 3D Touch on newer iPhones, relying on long-press gestures combined with haptic vibrations to simulate pressure-based interactions without dedicated force-sensing hardware. This software-driven approach mimics outputs like quick menus and previews but lacks the precise force detection of earlier systems, enabling broader compatibility across devices like the iPhone XR and later models.^[65] Among competitors, Huawei implemented Force Touch in its Mate S smartphone launched in 2015, using strain gauge sensors similar to Apple's technology to enable pressure-sensitive features such as dynamic app shortcuts and camera controls, though availability was limited to select markets and the feature was not pursued in subsequent models. Google's Now on Tap, debuted in Android 6.0 Marshmallow in 2015, provided contextual assistance via a long-press on the home button but did not incorporate pressure sensitivity, evolving into the more voice- and gesture-focused Google Assistant by 2016 without hardware-based force input. Microsoft's Surface Pen, introduced with the Surface Pro 3 in 2014 and enhanced in 2015 models, offered pressure sensitivity with up to 256 levels initially (later expanding to 4096), focusing on stylus-based interactions for creative tasks rather than full-screen touch.^[66]^[67]^[68]^[69]^[70] Broader alternatives diverge from Force Touch's contact-based sensing; for instance, Ultraleap's mid-air haptics technology, advanced in the 2020s, employs ultrasonic waves to deliver tactile feedback without physical contact, enabling immersive interactions in virtual reality and automotive interfaces as an non-invasive counterpart. In automotive applications, Tesla's capacitive steering yoke, introduced in the 2021 Model S refresh, uses touch-sensitive controls with haptic feedback for functions like turn signals, prioritizing vibration cues over pressure detection in a hands-on driving context.^[71]^[72] Force Touch's integration within Apple's closed ecosystem fostered consistent, proprietary experiences across devices, contrasting with Android's open implementations where pressure features, when present, varied by manufacturer and lacked unified software support, contributing to limited overall adoption of such technology in smartphones due to hardware costs and inconsistent developer uptake.^[73]^[74]

References

[1]
Apple Unveils Apple Watch—Apple's Most Personal Device Ever
Sep 9, 2014 · The Retina® display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way ...Apple (CA) · Apple (AU) · Apple (UK) · Newsroom
[2]
Apple's 'force touch' and 'taptic engine' explained - The Guardian
Mar 11, 2015 · Apple's new super-thin MacBook comes with a new trackpad technology that detects the force of a tap or press and is expected to be added to the iPhone next ...
[3]
Apple Unveils All-New MacBook
Mar 9, 2015 · The Force Touch trackpad also enables a new gesture called Force Click, a click followed by a deeper press, for tasks like pulling up the ...
[4]
How to use the Force Touch trackpad - Apple Support
The Force Touch trackpad lets you Force click by pressing on the trackpad and then applying more pressure. This allows you to take advantage of added ...
[5]
Apple unveils groundbreaking new MacBook Pro
PRESS RELEASE October 27, 2016. Apple unveils groundbreaking new MacBook Pro ... Touch ID, a more responsive keyboard, a larger Force Touch trackpad and an audio system with double the dynamic range.Touch Id Comes To The Mac · The Most Powerful Macbook... · Pricing And Availability
[6]
All-new MacBook Air takes flight - Apple
Oct 30, 2018 · The new MacBook Air also includes the industry-best Force Touch trackpad, which delivers pressure-sensing capabilities and haptic feedback, and ...Retina Display Comes To... · Featuring Touch Id And Apple... · Performance To Power Your...<|control11|><|separator|>
[7]
Yes, There Is a Difference Between 3D Touch and Force Touch
Sep 9, 2015 · Simply put, Force Touch has less capability to measure your touches and presses and doesn't react as quickly to your input, whereas the new 3D ...
[8]
MacBook Pro - Tech Specs - Apple
Ambient light sensor; Force Touch trackpad for precise cursor control and pressure-sensing capabilities; enables Force clicks, accelerators, pressure-sensitive ...Apple (SG) · Apple (AU) · Apple (CA) · Apple (IL)
[9]
Apple's Force Touch trackpad: What you need to know
“The new trackpad features built-in force sensors that allow you to click anywhere and haptic feedback that provides a responsive and uniform feel. You can even ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[10]
Gesture and Touch Input Detection Through Force Sensing
The method includes detecting by three or more force sensors a force input, calculating by a processor in communication with the force sensors a force centroid ...
[11]
3D Touch In iPhone 6S Isn't Just A Gimmick. Here's How It Works
Sep 12, 2015 · Changes in electrical signal caused by physical forces are calculated at each strain gauge – what Apple's patents call the 'force centroid' – ...
[12]
US8633916B2 - Touch pad with force sensors and actuator feedback
The force sensors may be used to measure how much force is applied to the surface of the planar touch pad member by a user. Processed force sensor signals may ...Missing: Taptic | Show results with:Taptic
[13]
Playing haptics | Apple Developer Documentation
May 7, 2024 · On a Mac that's equipped with a Force Touch trackpad, an app can play haptics while people drag content or when they force click to change the ...Playing Haptics · Platform Considerations · IosMissing: principles | Show results with:principles
[14]
The History of Apple's Haptics - Medium
Jun 21, 2020 · In early 2015, Apple reintroduced the MacBook with a multitude of new technologies. Among the better-received of these changes was the Force ...Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
[15]
iPhone at 10: Apple's Multi-Touch Changed The World - Forbes
Jun 29, 2017 · What Apple had wrought with the mouse/windows/icons user interface of the 1984 Macintosh it had smashed with the multi-touch iPhone, even if the ...
[16]
Good Vibrations: How Apple Dominates the Touch Feedback Game
May 20, 2019 · Apple has branded its own vibration motor the Taptic Engine. First introduced in the original Apple Watch in 2014, then brought to the ...Missing: origins development 2013
[17]
Why Force Touch Matters for Accessibility - MacStories
Mar 25, 2015 · They could effectively solve the problem with buttons in iOS 7 and 8 by using haptic feedback to denote a “button press” everywhere in the ...Missing: motivations replace
[18]
Hands on with Apple's Force Touch trackpad - CNET
Mar 12, 2015 · But you don't have to wait until April 10 to try it. The new trackpad has already made its way into one currently available MacBook, the just- ...
[19]
Apple Introduces 15-inch MacBook Pro & $1,999 iMac
PRESS RELEASE May 19, 2015. Apple Introduces 15-inch MacBook Pro with Force Touch Trackpad & New $1,999 iMac with Retina 5K Display. CUPERTINO ...
[20]
Apple Introduces iPhone 6s & iPhone 6s Plus
September 9, 2015 — Apple® today announced iPhone® 6s ... The new iPhones introduce 3D Touch, which senses force to enable ...
[21]
iOS 9: News, Features, Release Date, 3D Touch, and More
Jun 16, 2017 · Apple released iOS 9 for iPhone and iPad on Sept. 16. Here are all the new features it will contain, including how it will work with 3D ...
[22]
Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a sky ...
Mar 5, 2025 · PRESS RELEASE March 5, 2025 ; A Fresh New Hue: Hello, Sky Blue. Adding a new choice to the lineup of MacBook Air colors is the all-new sky blue.
[23]
Inside the Design Labs Where iPhone’s Coolest New Feature Was Built
### Summary of 3D Touch Hardware Components in iPhone 6s
[24]
Last Decade Haptics in Mobile: ERM to LRA and the Taptic Engine
Jan 15, 2020 · Linear Resonant Actuators (LRA) offer better haptic performance than ERMs. They create stronger and crispier tactile effects, while consuming less power.
[25]
First Look Into Apple's Fancy New Force Touch Track Pad - iFixit
Mar 12, 2015 · Based on the wiggly pattern of traces stuck to the metal tabs, we're pretty sure the magic pressure sensors in the new Force Touch trackpad are ...
[26]
Inside Apple's Force Touch trackpad - Macworld
Apr 6, 2015 · The detailed inside look at the Force Touch trackpad reveals the magnets, coils and strain gauges that sit behind the Force Touch trackpad.
[27]
US20200341584A1 - Calibration of trackpad - Google Patents
The trackpad includes touch sensing circuitry, further comprising using the touch sensing circuity to determine that the substrate is not being touched by any ...
[28]
US20110227872A1 - Touchpad with Capacitive Force Sensing
Force-measuring capacitive touch technology can be implemented to provide tactile feedback to simulate any number of tactile responses. For example, in at least ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[29]
UIPress | Apple Developer Documentation
UIPress. An object that represents the presence or movement of a button press on the screen for a particular event. iOS 9.0 ...Missing: API | Show results with:API
[30]
Tracking the force of 3D Touch events - Apple Developer
You can use both the touch location and the force value as input to your app. For example, a drawing app might use force to set the thickness of the current ...
[31]
NSPressureConfiguration | Apple Developer Documentation
Use an NSPressureConfiguration object to configure the behavior and progression of a Force Touch trackpad when it responds to a mouse drag or pressure event ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[32]
Interacting with your app in the watchOS simulator - Apple Developer
Shallow or deep presses. On a Mac with a Force Touch Trackpad, choose I/O > Touch Pressure > Use Trackpad Force. Then, click with the desired pressure ; Two- ...
[33]
UIGestureRecognizer | Apple Developer Documentation
Overview. A gesture recognizer decouples the logic for recognizing a sequence of touches (or other input) and acting on that recognition.UIGestureRecognizerDelegate · UIGestureRecognizer.State... · Name
[34]
Adjust how iPhone responds to your touch - Apple Support
Choose the touch duration—Fast or Slow. On an iPhone with 3D Touch, you can also choose the pressure needed—Light, Medium, or Firm. Test your new settings ...
[35]
Interacting with your app in the iOS and iPadOS simulator
On a Mac with a Force Touch trackpad, choose I/O > Touch Pressure > Use Trackpad Force. ... Use your Mac to control interactions with your watchOS apps in ...Missing: API | Show results with:API
[36]
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/3d-touch/
[37]
Get where you're going with fewer steps using these 3D Touch ...
May 29, 2019 · Getting where you're going with fewer steps is a lot easier with time-saving 3D Touch shortcuts in Apple Maps. Here are some you'll love.
[38]
Getting Started with 3D Touch - Apple Developer
Sep 13, 2016 · 3D Touch features support VoiceOver. To learn about VoiceOver, read Accessibility Programming Guide for iOS. For important guidance on the new ...
[39]
Use and customize Control Center on iPhone - Apple Support
Control Center on iPhone gives you instant access to useful controls—including Airplane Mode, Do Not Disturb, flashlight, volume, screen brightness, and more ...
[40]
3D Touch on iPhone 6S: Embrace the Force - NN/G
Nov 1, 2015 · Unlike Force Touch, which is associated with the entire screen, 3D Touch is connected with a particular UI element. In other words, on the watch ...
[41]
10 Things You Should Know About Designing for Apple Core Haptics
Sep 14, 2020 · The Taptic Engine frequency range is 80 to 230 Hz, whereas the standard audio uses a range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. The low frequencies used for ...
[42]
https://developer.apple.com/documentation/watchkit/wkhaptictype
[43]
Expanding the Sensory Experience with Core Haptics - WWDC19
Core Haptics lets you design your own haptics with synchronized audio on iPhone. In this two part session, learn essential sound and haptic design principles.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[44]
Effects of Visual and Haptic Latency on Touchscreen Interaction
Jun 6, 2017 · As pointed out by Kim, Osgouei, and Choi [28] , users negatively notice even a 40 ms delay in a touchscreen event-based application with haptic ...
[45]
Tell time with haptic feedback on Apple Watch
The Taptic Time feature gives people who are blind or visually impaired another way to tell time without anyone else hearing it.Missing: advancements | Show results with:advancements
[46]
How to use Apple Watch taptic chimes to help keep track of the time
Aug 15, 2019 · watchOS 6 debuted a new Taptic Chimes feature that takes advantage of Apple's custom vibrator, called Taptic Engine, to render quick vibrations ...
[47]
https://www.apple.com/tn/newsroom/2015/05/19Apple-Introduces-15-inch-MacBook-Pro-with-Force-Touch-Trackpad-New-1-999-iMac-with-Retina-5K-Display/
[48]
What is Apple 3D Touch? | Definition from TechTarget
Jan 10, 2024 · The last devices to support 3D Touch were the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, which were released in 2018. Apple replaced 3D Touch with Haptic ...
[49]
Haptic Touch vs 3D Touch: What's the Difference? - MacRumors
Apr 27, 2020 · Haptic Touch is a press and hold sensation, while 3D Touch is a faster press with force kind of gesture that activates quicker.
[50]
watchOS 7 Removes Force Touch Support From Your Apple Watch ...
Sep 30, 2020 · In watchOS 7, Apple has removed all Force Touch interactions from the UI, making the Force Touch sensor gasket in Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier models ...
[51]
MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025) - Tech Specs - Apple Support
Testing conducted by Apple in January 2025 using preproduction 13-inch MacBook Air systems with Apple M4, 10-core CPU, and 8-core GPU, and preproduction 15-inch ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[52]
Apple Discontinues 3D Touch, Replaces With Haptic Touch in ...
Sep 12, 2019 · Apple is discontinuing 3D Touch, which had been an iPhone feature since 2015, in favor of Haptic Touch.
[53]
Do any iPhones still have full 3D Touch functionality on iOS 13? Or ...
Apr 20, 2020 · iOS13 changed how 3D Touch worked in phones with 3D Touch screens but it's still there. They tried to bring it inline with Haptic Touch phones ...
[54]
Apple's Removal Of Force Touch In WatchOS 7 Makes Apple Watch ...
Sep 29, 2020 · This year, Apple removed Force Touch from watchOS 7. It's a regressive change in terms of usability, making the new Apple Watch Series 6 worse ...
[55]
20th Anniversary iPhone May Replace Mechanical Buttons With ...
Oct 28, 2025 · For the 20th anniversary iPhone due in 2027, Apple is developing a solid-state button system as a wholesale replacement for the device's ...
[56]
Apple's faster Haptic Touch is as close to a 3D Touch ... - The Verge
Sep 22, 2023 · iOS 17 has a new Haptic Touch duration accessibility setting that makes long-presses much more responsive and efficient than before.
[57]
Immersion Sues Apple for Patent Infringement Over Touch Feedback
Feb 11, 2016 · The suit claims Apple's “force touch” and “3D touch” technologies violate Immersion's patents on haptic technology.Missing: litigation | Show results with:litigation
[58]
Immersion expands patent lawsuit against Apple over haptic ...
May 5, 2016 · On the iPhone 6s side, the 3D Touch functionality is said to infringe on Immersion patents. The specific patents in question are listed below:.Missing: litigation | Show results with:litigation
[59]
Immersion files lawsuit, ITC complaint against Apple's haptic ...
Feb 11, 2016 · Immersion on Thursday announced a two-pronged legal attack against Apple for allegedly infringing on its patents with haptic systems embedded in Apple Watch ...
[60]
Settlement and License Agreement between Apple Inc. and Immersion
This Settlement and License Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of January 26, 2018 (“Effective Date”) between Apple Inc., a California corporation (“Apple”) ...
[61]
Apple and Immersion Reach Licensing Agreement After Legal Battle ...
Jan 29, 2018 · Immersion had filed a pair of lawsuits against Apple in early 2016, accusing the company of infringing on its patents with its haptic feedback ...Missing: litigation Corp
[62]
Apple settles with touch feedback technology firm Immersion
Jan 29, 2018 · Immersion's shares rocketed 50% to US$11 after it revealed it had entered into settlement and licensing agreements with the consumer electronics ...
[63]
Qualcomm and Apple agree to drop all litigation
Apr 16, 2019 · The settlement includes a payment from Apple to Qualcomm. The companies also have reached a six-year license agreement, effective as of April 1, ...
[64]
https://patentpc.com/blog/patent-enforcement-in-the-digital-age-case-studies-from-apples-most-controversial-patents
[65]
Patent Enforcement in the Digital Age: Case Studies from Apple's ...
Sep 30, 2025 · Apple enforces patents by building a robust portfolio, strategic filings, using litigation as a deterrent, and leveraging licensing agreements.
[66]
iOS 13 Replaces 3D Touch with Tap-and-Hold - JimmyTech
Oct 16, 2025 · ... touch. Apple replaced 3D Touch in the entire iPhone 11 line this year with the iPhone XR's simpler Haptic Touch hardware that provides haptic ...
[67]
Huawei Unveils the Mate S: A Flagship Smartphone that ...
Sep 2, 2015 · Huawei's innovative Force Touch technology, available in select markets, perceives different levels of pressure on the screen – allowing the ...
[68]
Huawei brings Force Touch to its phones before Apple - The Verge
Sep 2, 2015 · Huawei today announced the Mate S, a new flagship phone that includes a familiar sounding feature: Force Touch.
[69]
“Now on tap” to help you with what you need in the moment ... - Search
With “Now on tap,” you can simply tap and hold the home button for assistance without having to leave what you're doing—whether you're in an app ...
[70]
Android M's “Google Now on Tap” shows contextual info at the press ...
May 28, 2015 · With the assistant feature enabled, data isn't continually streamed to a third party; the information is only sent when the user long-presses on ...Missing: pressure sensitivity
[71]
Identify your Surface Pen and features - Microsoft Support
Supports pen and inking. Supports Bluetooth. Magnet attach. Tilt. Tactile signals. Zero force inking. Surface Pro 12-inch 1st Edition. Yes, with 4096 pressure ...
[72]
How does Ultraleap's mid-air haptics technology work?
Aug 23, 2024 · Ultrahaptics' core mid-air, haptic technology uses ultrasound (ie frequencies beyond the range of human hearing) to project tactile sensation directly onto the ...Missing: 2020s contact- based
[73]
Steering Yoke (or Steering Wheel) - Tesla
Some controls on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) are capacitive ... touch and provide haptic feedback (as a vibration). Do not rest your fingers ...
[74]
Force Touch is a paradoxical complication in the world of sublime ...
Sep 10, 2015 · The basic principal is simple: with some clever uses of pressure sensitivity, displays implementing the tech can detect three levels: a tap, a soft press, and ...Missing: ecosystem lock-
[75]
Android smartphones with Force Touch: available & upcoming
Jan 11, 2016 · Yes, technically, Huawei announced the Mate S with a Force Touch variant a week before Apple announced the 3D Touch-toting iPhones, but Huawei ...