Apple’s iOS 14 lets users control an iPhone without touching the screen – all you have to do is tap the back
- Apple is set to launch its iOS 14 in the fall, but the beta version is available
- In the software is a feature called ‘Back Tap’ that controls the iPhone with taps
- Users can assign two or three taps to a command, which are done on the back
Apple released a beta version of its upcoming iOS 14 and hidden in the system is a feature that lets users operate an iPhone without actually touching the screen.
The new function, called ‘Back Tap,’ allows certain commands and tasks to be carried out just by tapping on the back of the device two or three times.
Users assign double or triple tap to different tasks such as taking a screenshot, or activating a specific app.
The software update is set to officially launch this fall, but users can have early access to test and report any issues back to Apple.
Apple released a beta version of its upcoming iOS 14 and hidden in the system is a feature that lets users operate an iPhone without actually touching the screen. The new function, called ‘Back Tap,’ allows certain commands and tasks to be carried out just by tapping on the back of the device two or three times
Apple released the beta version of its iOS 14 last month, allowing users to take a look at the new features ahead of the fall rollout.
This version is far from polished, but allows users to poke around for bugs that may have gone unnoticed by the firm ahead of the official September launch.
Downloading the new operating system gives you the first look at a redesigned home screen, widget gallery and App clips, along with a new Siri interface.
However, there are also new features included in the software that were not announced in the June unveiling.
Users assign double or triple tap to different tasks such as taking a screenshot, or activating a specific app
Business Insider first reported on Back Tap, which is designed to help those with physical issues that may hinder their ability to properly use a device.
The new feature will sit in the iPhone or iPad Settings, where users then select the ‘Accessibility’ option.
Under ‘Physical and Motor’ the ‘Touch’ icon will be displayed which is a hand pointing one finger up.
Once selected, ‘Back Tap’ will appear on the next screen, allowing users to toggle it on or off.
Then owners choose the shortcut to launch when tapping on the back of the device.
Images of the feature show options such as Home, Screenshot, Spotlight and adjusting volume.
Apple unveiled its iOS 14 on June 22 during its first digital Worldwide Developers Conference.
Users choose the shortcut to launch when tapping on the back of the device. Images of the feature show options such as Home, Screenshot, Spotlight and adjusting volume
The move to a digital stage was due to the coronavirus pandemic that has forced hundreds of events to either cancel or host online.
The tech giant typically launches the new operating system in September, but also provides a public beta version a few months prior.
This allows the average user to try it out, search for bugs and report them to Apple, which hopefully fixes them before it rolls out to the masses.
Since it may be riddled with numerous bugs, users have regretted taking the chance, but not all is lost – you can restore your device to the previous version.