In an effort to deliver the next generation of what Apple CEO Tim Cook called "the most-loved phone in the world," the iPhone 6S has created the next generation of its industry-shattering multitouch screen: the 3D Touch, which Chief Design Officer Jony Ive called "a tremendous breakthrough in interacting with our devices" in the company's demo video.
Deemed "a whole new dimension to the way you experience your iPhone" by Apple, 3D Touch recognizes a user's wanted action via finger pressure and force, rather than a mere gesture like the traditional swipe or pinch.
But how exactly does this work? The explanation is somewhat simple, even if the technology is more extensive than meets the eye. To wit: sensors within the smartphone measure the force of finger pressure, which then translates, letting the iPhone know the users needs and wants.
For example, if a user applies a light pressure to the screen when selecting an option to view content, the preview for said content pops up; if the user presses harder on the option for the content, it will open automatically.
In addition to this, a light tap will display 10 milliseconds, and a full tap lasts 15 milliseconds when it comes to a preview.
Apple's Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering, who conducted a live demo at the Apple event, also demonstrated how the new interactive interface eliminates going "in and out" of windows in certain apps, like mail apps – with 3D Touch, pressure dictates whether the user wants a sneak peek of a message, or to fully view it.
"It lets me take action on apps without even having to open them," the executive explained, illustrating how with 3D Touch, an app can list options directly from the app icon on the home screen of the smartphone.
"It's just so much more direct and natural than ever before," Federighi said of the new technology.
Check here for more news from Apple's September announcements.
