19 3D Touch Tips That Will Change How You Use Your iPhone
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Still confused about what 3D Touch is? Don't worry — I was too until I started tinkering around with the feature more. Available on the iPhone 6S, 6S 7, and 7 Plus, 3D touch is a great shortcut tool to use on your iPhone that you won't regret learning how to use.
In short, 3D Touch uses force and pressure on your iPhone to determine what action to do next. If you press down hard on an app or a link in a message, you'll get a "Peek" of what actions you can take or a preview of links. Press a little harder and you'll "Pop" into the app itself.
Keep reading to see our favorite ways of using it, and then catch up on these other iOS 9 tips.
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Text someone faster!
Ever need to quickly text someone you're constantly talking to? With 3D Touch, you'll get the option to text three of the most recent people you've sent a message to.
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Instagram #TBTs get a lot easier.
Use 3D Touch on the Photos app and you can choose from four options including "one year ago" — a feature perfect for anyone who loves #TBT or #FBF.
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Taking photos is even more simple.
Quickly snap a photo or hop into selfie mode with 3D Touch.
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Set an alarm in your sleep . . . kinda.
Since no one likes setting an alarm, just create one easily with 3D Touch.
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Share something on Facebook in seconds.
You can also take a photo or video to post on Facebook, or get writing a simple text post.
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Send messages on Messenger to the people you talk to the most.
Like iMessage, you'll get the option to quickly open up a thread you're constantly using. You can also start a new message or share your personal Messenger code.
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Add friends on Snapchat much more easily.
You can also chat with a friend straight from your home screen.
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Catch up on your "likes" on Instagram with 3D Touch.
Or post something on the app or search for anything.
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Get to your destination much faster.
Once you enter your home and work addresses on Google Maps, the app can use 3D Touch to quickly figure out the best way for you to get there.
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Quickly send your location to a friend.
Like Google Maps, Apple Maps has an option to figure out how to get home fast. It also lets you drop a pin or send where you are to a friend.
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Add items to your to-do list.
Part of the dread of adding items to a to-do list is that it feels like yet another task you don't want to accomplish. With 3D Touch, you can add a note to your Reminders app without too much work.
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Call someone on your Favorites list.
Use 3D Touch on the Phone app and you'll get the ability to call the top three people in your Favorites list. This might make it easier to call your parents . . .
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Request a ride share without any hassle.
Add in your home or work address to Lyft and your 3D Touch options will include getting to and from those two places.
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FaceTime with your favorites.
Constantly FaceTiming with someone? Use 3D Touch to quickly call them.
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Message or FaceTime someone without going through different apps.
Once you're in the Phone or Contacts app, you can use 3D Touch to message, call, or FaceTime them — all without searching for the app necessary to complete this.
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Fix a typo or insert more words into a text.
This is a real game changer. Use 3D Touch on the space bar and you'll be able to navigate what you've written. Say goodbye to hoping your fingers are tiny enough to get in between the words you've typed!
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Preview links in iMessage or Mail.
Wonder what link your friend is sending you and if it's worth looking through? Use 3D Touch on the link and you'll get a preview of what it is. Hit it again and the link will open up in Safari.
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Get more details on your events.
With 3D Touch on Calendar events, you'll get the full scope of your activity.
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See what your photos look like without leaving the Camera app.
Ever take tons of photos and wonder if you already caught the perfect one? With 3D Touch on the Camera app on a locked iPhone, you'll quickly see what your last photo looks like.