Once again, we hear whispers from East Asia that Apple’s next iPhone will include an advanced vibration unit that will provide various levels of haptic feedback in areas of the handset’s screen.
Haptic technology, or haptics, is a tactile feedback technology which recreates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user.
A report from Chinese language website Laoyaoba, spotted by GforGames, cites inside sources as saying Apple’s next-generation iPhone will feature tactile feedback functionality, also known as haptic feedback.
The system is reportedly driven by a linear oscillating motor, much like the unit found in the iPhone 4S. The motor can produce vibrations at various levels of intensity, such as softer vibrations for taps, and more intense vibrations for games. The idea is to provide a more immersive experience for the user.
The iPhone 5s uses a rotating mass type vibrator, which produces more motion and noise than a linear oscillator.
While Apple does own patents that use motors to deliver haptic feedback to a user, previous rumors of its inclusion in Apple’s devices have never come to fruition.
