iOS 9 to Include ‘Force Touch’ Support for iPhone 6S & More
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The design process of Apple’s new iOS 9 operating system is said to be mainly focused on improving the OS’s performance and stability, but that’s not to say it won’t include some nifty new features. A new system font, upgrades to Siri, Apple Maps, and HomeKit, and the highly-anticipated launch of the new Beats Music streaming service are all very exciting features. However, recent reports have revealed other interesting new features that may be included in the release, including Force Touch and haptic feedback support.
iOS 9 may feature Force Touch support to accommodate the features on the upcoming iPhone 6S (and perhaps the upcoming iPad models). Force Touch, first introduced in the Apple Watch and the latest editions of the MacBook, allows the device to differentiate between a light tap and a more forceful press. Distinguishing between certain types of touches allows for access to contextually specific controls, much like a “right click” may do on a desktop. Along with Force Touch, iOS 9 will also include haptic feedback on available devices, which allows the display to seemingly “tap back” at the user when it detects a deep press. This new functionality may be integrated into the new Maps app (to drop new pins), into the calendar (for adding new events), and a variety of other apps for ease and flexibility of use.
Force Touch First Appeared on the Apple Watch and Latest MacBooks
In addition to Force Touch support, iOS 9 will also reportedly include a new keyboard design. Apple’s developers are rumored to be experimenting with several different designs, including a longer keyboard which provides users with different editing tools while in portrait mode. A more accessible QuickType keyboard, and a re-design of the shift key (to help users tell when the shift or caps lock is activated) are also said to be in the works. Lastly, Apple Pay support for Canada and some minor tweaks to iMessage may also be included in the iOS 9 release.
iOS 9 is expected to be unveiled at this year’s WWDC in June. However, because the current generation of iPhones and iPads do not support Force Touch or haptic feedback, don’t be surprised if you don’t hear anything about it until the release of the iPhone 6S.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
