May the Force Touch be with your next iPhone. Well, at least according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The Force Touch technology was developed by Apple, which made it a built-in feature in the Apple Watch as well as in the new 12 inch MacBook. This piece of technology is an input method for mobile devices that is pressure sensitive, e.g. detecting a deeper press as a different type of input compared to a standard press. In other words, users can expand their input capabilities depending on how much pressure they apply when tapping their mobile devices. It is a relatively new approach to inputting on touchscreen handsets, but on further examination, it is actually a sensible idea, even one that should make some forward-thinking users wonder why it has not been done before in current devices.
But now, Apple is bringing the feature in future iPhone models. And it may not be clear for now, but it is really going to open up loads of possibilities and new capabilities for iPhone users. Force Touch could allow more expansive controls when playing games on iPhones. It could also be really useful to certain mobile apps, especially those that depend on sensitive input dynamics. The mobile app Garage Band comes to mind. The sound you generate using this app may depend solely on how hard, how long you press on the screen.
On the new MacBook, Apple demonstrated how Force Touch allowed for more efficient handwriting input. Now imagine that kind of input accuracy on the iPhone or iPad. It would definitely a boon for Apple users who are more inclined with creative pursuits, such as drawing, painting, and other hand-gesture-driven activities.
Some Bluetooth stylus accessories already offer pressure sensitive capabilities in certain apps. But with the Force Touch feature, those same capabilities are built in into the hardware. Furthermore, developers of apps have access to Force Touch's blueprint, making it possible for them to create apps with the feature's pressure sensitivity in mind.
The next version of the iPhone is expected to be unveiled in fall later this year, so Apple's techs have more than enough time to fine tune Force Touch as used in the company's flagship device. Additionally, Force Touch may not be the only thing that buyers can look forward to in the next iPhone model. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Apple is testing a new pink color for its best-selling handset. The iPhone is already being in three colors (gold, silver, and space gray), so pink should be a welcome addition.
