Apple’s iOS 17 may not have introduced a plethora of new features, but it certainly has some hidden gems that users are discovering during its beta testing phase. Among these discoveries is a revamped version of Haptic Touch, which closely mimics the functionality of the beloved 3D Touch feature that was available on earlier iPhone models. With the release of the second beta version, users have noticed a tweak in the touch duration settings for Haptic Touch.
Twitter user @AppleIntro was one of the first to uncover this hidden gem. Within the settings panel, users now have the option to adjust the Touch Duration of Haptic Touch, with choices ranging from “Fast” to “Default” and “Slow.” While the default setting offers regular haptic feedback, the slow option provides a slightly delayed response, and the fast option closely resembles the experience of 3D Touch.
New Fast Haptic Touch option in iOS 17 feels like 3D Touch! ? #ios17 pic.twitter.com/YDkViEVCpp
— Apple Intro (@AppleIntro) June 22, 2023
This means that when users press and hold on a photo, link, or contact information, a quick preview of the content will appear, reminiscent of the functionality previously exclusive to 3D Touch.
3D Touch made its debut with the iPhone 6S and remained available until the iPhone XS models running iOS 14. However, with the introduction of the iPhone 11 lineup, Apple removed the hardware necessary for this feature and quietly disabled it through a software update for all other compatible iPhones.
Although 3D Touch was a valuable tool, not every Apple user fully utilized its potential, as it required a unique touch on the display that differed from simply tapping or pressing and holding. One way to grasp its functionality was through Live Photos, which Apple has now made accessible by tapping and pressing the image—though users must avoid touching the subject, as this gesture triggers the system to convert it into a PNG.
For those who miss the 3D Touch experience and are currently running the iOS 17 beta, enabling it is possible. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on “Accessibility.”
- Within the Accessibility menu, locate and tap on “Touch.”
- Select “Haptic Touch.”
- Choose your preferred Touch Duration: Fast, Default, or Slow.
To achieve the closest approximation to the original 3D Touch, selecting the “Fast” option is recommended.
While iOS 17 may not introduce groundbreaking features, these hidden gems and user-discovered secrets demonstrate that Apple is committed to refining the user experience and providing alternative solutions for those who miss certain functionalities. As the beta testing period continues, users can look forward to uncovering more surprises and optimizations within iOS 17.
