14 DAY TRIAL // In case you haven’t already gotten used to Apple ditching features of the iPhone every once in a while, here’s another proof that this approach is unlikely to end anytime soon.
An investor note released by Barclays analysts reveal that the Cupertino-based tech giant is currently considering killing off 3D Touch on the next-generation iPhone for a reason which at this point is unknown.
Technically, 3D Touch would be removed from all 2019 iPhones with an OLED screen, which means there’s a chance Apple would keep it if an LCD version remains in production.
There are mixed reports on Apple’s 2019 iPhone lineup, with some indicating that the upcoming generation would include OLED models exclusively, while others believe at least one version would feature an LCD screen.
3D Touch on 2018 models
While the future of 3D Touch is uncertain on the 2019 iPhone generation, the three models launching next month would all come with such functionality. 3D Touch is also available on the iPhone X, and this year it would make it to all three new models, including an iPhone X successor, an iPhone X Plus, and a 6.1-inch LCD configuration.
Earlier this year, it was rumored that 3D Touch would only be removed from the LCD iPhone as a cost-saving measure. This particular configuration is specifically supposed to hit the shelves at a lower price, and ditching several features was said to be part of Apple’s plans to reduce manufacturing costs and maintain the profit margin.
Removing 3D Touch, however, can be a double-edged sword for Apple. While Apple may no longer consider this feature essential for the iPhone, long-time customers use it on a regular basis, so ditching it entirely could lead to substantial usability issues.
However, even if 3D Touch itself is discontinued, Apple could continue offering similar features in a typical Android manner, thus killing two bird with one stone and maintaining functionality while also reducing costs.