Apple Music Introduces Its Audio Haptics Feature, Music Haptics

Haptic technology is a system that seamlessly incorporates tactile or force-feedback vibrations and motion through a sense of touch. The technology is widely used in various fields and industries, from telepresence to aviation, the automotive industry, and dentistry and medicine.

In 2015, Apple introduced its own component using haptic technology called the Taptic Engine. The component provides Apple users with tactile feedback to simulate actions on a touch screen. Now, the tech giant is applying this technology to its music-streaming platform with a new feature, Music Haptics.

The feature enables users to experience taps, textures, and ‘refined vibrations’ in sync with the audio they’re listening to. The feature works across Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, Shazam, and selected third-party apps when an iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service.

Alongside the feature, Apple is also debuting a new section dedicated to audio haptics technology. This space includes new playlists called Haptics Beats, Haptics Bass, Haptic Vibrations, and Haptics Hits. Additionally, it features a selection of albums and more.

Upon its launch, Music Haptics is available to all Apple Music subscribers worldwide who have an iPhone 12 or later, with iOS 18 or newer. To activate the feature, users can go to Settings > Accessibility and toggle on Music Haptics.

Once enabled, the Music Haptics logo will appear on the ‘Now Playing’ Screen in the Apple Music app, as well as in the ‘Now Playing’ view on the Home Screen and in the Control Centre, allowing users to easily pause or resume the feature by tapping on the logo.

While audio haptics has primarily been introduced as a sound substitution for hearing-impaired people, allowing them to ‘feel’ sounds on their bodies, it’s expected that it will appeal to a broader audience, offering a new, entertaining way to engage with music. Will it transform how we consume music? You can check out this short video and decide for yourself.