Music haptics: iPhone vibrates to music – soon also just for singing
The so-called Music Haptics make songs in Apple Music tangible. This little-known feature will soon be further improved.
Music doesn't always have to come through the ear.
(Image: Ivan_Shenets/Shutterstock.com)
Apple usually first builds accessibility features – somewhat clumsily called “operating assistance” in German – into iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches or Macs to help people with disabilities. But then it quickly becomes clear that they appeal to much broader target groups, even if they are initially well hidden in the system. A current example is the so-called music haptics.
This has been around since iOS 18 became available last fall and upgrades a feature in Apple's streaming apps Apple Music and Apple Music Classical that is well worth seeing. Once activated in the Accessibility section, an iPhone no longer only plays music via the loudspeaker or connected headphones, but also via haptics. The iPhone's integrated Taptic Engine, the small vibration motor, “plays” the music at – with astonishing accuracy.
Experience songs not only via sound
In practice, this means that you can not only hear your favorite song, but also feel it when the iPhone is in your hand. The music is then (also) played back as tapping and in the form of vibration textures. This applies not only to the rhythm, but also to other parts of the song, such as the chorus or a guitar solo. Music haptics is supported from iPhone 12 (all models) up to iPhone 16 (all models, including 16e) – and anyone who uses Apple's Music app should definitely try out the function.
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For the first time, Apple will make it possible to configure the haptic “experience” – for example, to play the entire song via vibration or just the voice. You can also determine the intensity of the vibrations, tapping, and textures. There are currently no options here; music haptics are either switched on or off.
Interface for apps such as Spotify
Currently, Music Haptics only supports Apple's own apps. However, Apple has implemented an interface with which third-party programs such as Spotify would also have access if they wanted to offer this. The minimum requirement, however, is that the iPhone currently has a network connection, be it via WLAN or mobile phone.
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Unfortunately, Apple does not currently provide for a “download” of the haptic structures. This would be another interesting feature. Apple has not yet provided any information on how much the music haptics affect the iPhone's battery.
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