How to Use 3D Touch on Apple Devices GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Mobile Phones > iPhone & iOS
How to Use 3D Touch on Apple Devices
Haptic Touch is a clever way to use apps on your iPhone
By Daniel Anglin Seitz Daniel Anglin Seitz Writer University of Vermont, Emerson College Dan Seitz is a tech writer with 10 years of experience writing about apps, gaming, and more. His work has appeared on Uproxx.com and other outlets. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 19, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email iPhone & iOS Switching from Android What to Know
To activate 3D Touch (also Force Touch and Haptic Touch) use a tap, firm press, or long press on your Apple device.To change 3D Touch sensitivity, open Settings > General > Accessibility > 3D Touch > adjust the slider.Most apps that come standard with your phone, or are made by Apple, have some form of 3D Touch. This article explains how to use 3D Touch with your Apple devices, and which apps support the tool. 3D Touch is also known as Force Touch on the Apple Watch and Haptic Touch on the iPhone XR. What Is 3D Touch
3D Touch, Force Touch, and Haptic Touch are all features that change how apps react based on the pressure placed on the screen. 3D Touch can be activated in one of three ways: via a tap, a firm press, or a long press. For example, on an iPhone, if you firmly press the Messages app, it'll open your most recent text conversations. If you're using a drawing app that supports 3D Touch, a long press will make the line you draw thicker. Force Touch is slightly different. It only has two modes: a tap, and a firm press. If you hold down on the Apple Watch's face, for example, you'll open a menu that lets you swipe through the many different faces available and install a new one. Lastly, Haptic Touch works much like Force Touch but makes a “click” sound when you hold down on an app. Haptic Touch is similar to right-clicking your mouse or trackpad on your computer. You don't need to hold down your finger to keep the menu open. Once an app opens a menu, it stays open when you release the pressure. Getty Images AsiaPac Which Apple Products Have 3D Touch
Every iPhone from the 6S to the iPhone XS Max has 3D Touch. The MacBook Retina, MacBook Pro models from after 2015, the 2018 Macbook Air, and all Apple Watch models have Force Touch. The iPhone XS is currently the only product with Haptic Touch as of this writing, although it may become more commonplace. How to Change the Sensitivity of 3D Touch
Open the Settings app and tap General. Tap Accessibility > 3D Touch. Set the slider to your preferred sensitivity. If you don't want 3D Touch, or if it interferes with your phone usage, you can also turn it off from here. Which Apps Support 3D Touch
Most apps that come standard with your phone, or are made by Apple, have some form of 3D Touch or Force Touch support. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't do a good job of explaining them, even though there are some handy shortcuts available. Here’s a brief guide to what you can get from using 3D Touch on some standard iPhone apps. Messages: 3D Touch will show the most recent people you've texted with a long press, and will let you choose to write a new message as well. Mail: 3D Touch will open your most frequently used mailboxes, allow you to search emails, write a new message, and add "VIPs" to your mail app. Safari: Safari will let you open new tabs and your bookmarks. Settings: A long press will open the most frequently used settings people configure. App Store: The App Store lets you redeem Apple gift cards and look at purchased apps. Phone: 3D Touch on the Phone icon will open a fairly extensive menu that lets you view your most recent calls and voice mails, search your contacts, and add a new contact quickly. Reminders: A long press on reminders will show your next reminder and add one without opening the app. Photos: The Photos 3D Touch menu will give you quick access to widgets, favorites, and your most recent photo. Do All Apps Use 3D Touch
3D Touch support is optional for app developers, but many have chosen to use it. Instagram, for example, will open a menu that lets you access the most common and important features. This is a common use for it and you'll see it on many popular apps as a “shortcut.” Test your favorites by using both firm presses and long touches to see if anything happens. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Everything You Can Do With Force Touch on the Apple Watch How to Copy a Link in iOS Mail How to Restart an iPhone (All Models) How to Use Live Wallpaper on Your iPhone How to Use Siri on iPhone 12 How to Use Maps on the Apple Watch How to Reboot an Android Smartphone or Tablet How to Use Your Apple Watch How to Use the Motorola Camera App iPhone 6S Hardware & Software Specs How to Left-Click on a Mac The Many Uses of the iPhone Home Button How to Make Your iPhone Keyboard Vibrate How to Remove Favorites From the iPhone Phone App How to Use Voice Control on iPhone and iPod Touch The 15 Best iPhone Hacks & Tips for 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies