What are Haptics on iPhone Devices and why do they matter?

iOS 16 brought the exciting addition of a haptic keyboard to Apple’s flagship device, the iPhone. While Apple wasn’t the first to introduce haptic feedback, their iconic design and global reach have made this technology more accessible than ever before.

So, what exactly are haptics on iPhone devices, and what purpose do they serve?

What Is Haptic Feedback?

Haptic feedback, or tactile feedback, refers to the technology that generates physical responses—typically vibration patterns—to signal an effect or action on an interactive device. Many are familiar with the ‘vibrate’ function on their mobile phones or smartphones.

However, haptic feedback goes beyond just basic vibration patterns.

Instead of just vibrating to alert users about incoming calls, messages, or notifications, haptic feedback provides subtle vibrations when the user interacts with the screen.

This feedback adjusts based on the specific function being triggered, enhancing the interaction. For example, a small vibration may occur when typing, with variations in intensity or duration depending on the action.

A Brief Overview of Haptic Feedback in Smartphones

Samsung introduced its first haptic-enabled phone in 2008, the Anycall Haptic. This device featured a large touch-screen display, similar to the iPhone, but with an added twist: it allowed users to feel clicks, vibrations, and other tactile feedback.

In total, it offered 22 distinct vibration patterns to enhance user interactions.

As with any tech industry, competition is fierce. Many phone manufacturers like LG, OnePlus, Google's Pixel, and Samsung have embraced haptics. Improving user experience is a constant challenge, meaning we can expect even more innovations in the future.

Where Does the Word 'Haptic' Come From?

The term 'haptic' originates from the Greek word 'haptesthai,' which means ‘to touch.’ As an adjective, it refers to anything related to or based on the sense of touch. As a noun, typically used in the plural form ('haptics'), it pertains to the science and physiology of the sense of touch.

How Does the Haptic Feedback on iPhones Function?

iPhone haptics are relatively simple from a technological perspective. A small motor within the phone generates the vibration pattern, which is controlled by the software, allowing the user to enable or disable haptic feedback as desired.

One drawback of haptic feedback is its impact on battery life. Since the small motor needs to run every time the feedback is triggered, it consumes energy. If you prefer tactile feedback while typing, you may notice a reduction in battery life.

However, you can turn off haptics if you choose. It’s worth trying out the feature to see if it enhances your phone experience before deciding whether to keep it on.

How Is Haptic Feedback Analyzed?

Researchers have been studying haptics for decades and have gathered substantial knowledge about the biology of touch. For instance, they understand the types of receptors found in the skin and how nerves transmit information between the central nervous system and the touch point.

The field of haptics has evolved alongside the development of automation. Before the industrial revolution, scientists primarily focused on how living organisms perceive touch. Biologists discovered that even simple creatures like jellyfish and worms had advanced tactile feedback systems.

In the early 20th century, psychologists and medical professionals delved into how humans experience touch. This branch of study became known as human haptics, uncovering that the human hand, which is crucial for touch perception, is remarkably complex.

Haptic Feedback in Virtual Reality

Computer scientists face significant challenges in translating the basic principles of touch into virtual reality and augmented reality systems. While visual and auditory cues are relatively simple to reproduce in computer models, creating realistic tactile sensations remains a major hurdle.

It is nearly impossible to allow users to physically feel what is happening in a computer's processing through a standard interface. While keyboards enable typing, and devices like joysticks and steering wheels can vibrate, how can a user interact with virtual objects within a virtual world?

For instance, how can a gamer feel the cold, hard steel of their character's weapon? How can an astronaut in a simulator experience the weight and rough texture of a virtual moon rock?

Since the 1980s, computer scientists have been working to solve these problems. This specialized area of study, known as computer haptics, is a subfield of haptics. Although it’s not yet full virtual reality, there have been significant strides in tactile feedback within recent VR systems.

Helping the Blind and Partially Sighted People Feel a City

In Greece, computer scientists are developing haptic feedback systems to make touchable maps accessible for people with visual impairments. To create these maps, researchers record video of real-world environments, such as building models or city blocks, for users to explore tactually.

The software analyzes the video, frame by frame, to identify the shape and location of each object. This results in a three-dimensional grid of force fields surrounding each structure.

By wearing technology that includes a haptic interface device, a blind person can feel these objects as tactile sensations, and, with the addition of audio cues, gain a much better understanding of the layout of a city or building.

The Importance of Haptic Technology

In video games, haptic feedback adds an extra layer of realism, improving user interaction. However, in training and other applications, haptic interfaces are crucial. This is because the sense of touch delivers rich, detailed information about objects.

When combined with other senses, especially sight, haptic feedback greatly enhances the amount of sensory information sent to the brain for processing.

Providing "tactile feedback" enhances the amount of information the user receives, which helps to reduce errors and speeds up task completion.