On the outside, there’s little difference between Apple’s current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus and its next generation replacement.
Both sets of iPhones are the same size and weight, and even feature the same bulging camera lens on the back. Save for the new pink—excuse me, rose gold—finish on Apple’s latest smartphones, you’d be hard pressed to tell the two apart, that is, until you turn them on.
As was long rumored to be the case, Apple added pressure-sensitive technology to its new iPhones, which the company is calling 3D Touch. The technology can launch features and perform a variety of functions when varying levels of force are applied to the screen.
For example, thanks to 3D Touch, when users lightly press on the phone’s music icon it will display a menu containing shortcuts to Beats 1 or search functions. When in the Mail app, users can open a message preview, while pressing harder will open the message in full.
The 3D Touch technology isn’t applied to every app equally, which means it’s basically a lot trial and error. I attempted to open the Settings icon, by lightly pressing on the app, but instead some gentle vibration and a shake suggested 3D Touch didn’t work.
I found the technology to be a useful addition, or I guess I should say, the thought of 3D touch appears to be a useful addition, although determining its true utility will require more time with the device. I can see it being a functional and practical feature or, alternatively, just a useless addition.
The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus will be available on pre-order starting Sept. 12, and will be available in stores on Sept. 25. Pricing starts at $199 with a two-year contract.
Sign up for Data Sheet, Coins2Day’s daily newsletter about the business of technology.
For more news about Apple, check out the following Coins2Day video: