14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re a big fan of 3D Touch on the iPhone, like I am, you’re in for a big disappointment this coming September.
Apple’s new iOS 13, which is supposed to bring so many welcome improvements, including a dark mode, will essentially mark the end of 3D Touch as we know it.
And the first beta of the new operating system provides us with a quick look at how Apple wants to get rid of this feature on new-generation iPhones, but also to disable it on older models.
Basically, the pressure-sensitive displays on the iPhone will become just an obsolete piece of technology once iOS 13 ships, as Apple wants to use a software system similar to the one on the iPhone XR to replace the hardware-based 3D Touch.
New system already available on iPhone XR
Just like on Android devices, users will be able to invoke 3D Touch options, like Peek and Pop and Home Screen Quick Actions, with nothing more than a long-press gesture. For example, a long-press on the icon of an app will display quick actions available for that app, all without the need for pressing harder on the screen, as it’s currently the case on 3D Touch-capable devices.
The long-press gesture will also generate a short vibration that will more or less simulate the experience with 3D Touch.
But as 9to5mac notes, iOS 13 removes some of the speed and convenience powered by 3D Touch, as a long press isn’t necessarily as fast as a harder press on the screen. While I think this is more or less just a matter of getting used to the new system, Apple is clearly aiming for more consistency here, while also gaining more room inside an iPhone by removing the components previously used for 3D Touch.
In other words, beginning with the debut of iOS 13 this September, all iPhones should feature 3D Touch-like gestured powered by this new software-powered capability. This means devices like iPhone SE will finally get advanced interaction despite the lack of 3D Touch hardware.