Do you have an iPhone 5s and wish you could use 3D Touch? Unfortunately, the iPhone 5s does not have the hardware required to support 3D Touch, which was introduced in later models. However, there is a way to get 3D Touch-like functionality on your iPhone 5s without jailbreaking your device.

This method involves using a third-party app called “Force Touch Activator” that simulates the 3D Touch feature. With this app, you can access Quick Actions, Peek and Pop, and other 3D Touch features on your iPhone 5s. The app is easy to use and can be downloaded from the App Store for free.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to download and use the “Force Touch Activator” app on your iPhone 5s. By the end of this article, you will be able to enjoy 3D Touch-like functionality on your iPhone 5s, without having to upgrade to a newer model or jailbreak your device.

Section 1: Hardware Limitations

What makes 3D Touch unavailable on iPhone 5s?

3D Touch is a feature that was introduced with the iPhone 6s and later models. Unfortunately, it is not available on the iPhone 5s due to hardware limitations. The iPhone 5s does not have the necessary hardware components to support 3D Touch.

What are the hardware requirements for 3D Touch?

To use 3D Touch, the iPhone must have a specific type of display hardware called a “Force Touch” display. This display is able to detect the amount of pressure being applied to the screen, allowing for the 3D Touch feature to work properly. Additionally, the iPhone must have a Taptic Engine, which is responsible for providing haptic feedback when 3D Touch is used.

The iPhone 5s does not have a Force Touch display or a Taptic Engine, which is why 3D Touch is not available on this model. While it is possible to get some of the functionality of 3D Touch on the iPhone 5s through software tweaks, it is not possible to fully replicate the feature without the necessary hardware components.

In summary, the iPhone 5s is not capable of supporting 3D Touch due to its lack of a Force Touch display and Taptic Engine. While it is disappointing that this feature is not available on older models, it is important to understand the hardware limitations that prevent its use.

Section 2: Alternative Solutions

Using AssistiveTouch

If you don’t want to jailbreak your iPhone 5s, you can still use AssistiveTouch to simulate 3D Touch. AssistiveTouch is a built-in feature that allows you to perform certain actions without using physical buttons. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to “General” > “Accessibility” > “AssistiveTouch.”
3. Turn on AssistiveTouch by toggling the switch.
4. Tap “Customize Top Level Menu” to add a new action.
5. Tap “3D Touch” and select “Peek” or “Pop” depending on your preference.

Once you’ve added the 3D Touch action to your AssistiveTouch menu, you can use it by tapping the floating AssistiveTouch button on your screen and selecting the 3D Touch option.

Using a Third-Party App

Another alternative solution is to use a third-party app that simulates 3D Touch. One such app is called “Force Touch Detector.” Here’s how to use it:

1. Download “Force Touch Detector” from the App Store.
2. Open the app and grant it permission to access your device’s accelerometer.
3. Place your finger on the screen and apply pressure to simulate 3D Touch.
4. The app will detect the force and display a message indicating whether you’ve triggered a “Peek” or “Pop” action.

Keep in mind that third-party apps may not be as reliable as built-in features, and they may not work perfectly on all devices. Additionally, some apps may require a subscription or in-app purchase to unlock all features.

Section 3: Enabling 3D Touch-like Features

If you own an iPhone 5s, you might be feeling left out of the 3D Touch party. However, there are still ways to get similar functionality on your device without jailbreaking it. In this section, we’ll explore two methods to enable 3D Touch-like features on your iPhone 5s.

Activating Reachability

Reachability is a built-in feature in iOS that allows you to access the top of your screen with one hand. To activate it, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Accessibility.
2. Scroll down to the Interaction section and toggle on Reachability.
3. To use Reachability, simply double-tap the Home button. The screen will move down, making it easier to reach the top of your screen.

While Reachability is not exactly the same as 3D Touch, it does allow you to access certain features with one hand that would otherwise require two.

Using Long Press Gestures

Another way to get 3D Touch-like functionality on your iPhone 5s is to use long press gestures. Long press gestures are built into iOS and can be used to access additional features on certain apps. Here’s how to use them:

1. Find an app that supports long press gestures (e.g. Safari).
2. Press and hold your finger on an item within the app (e.g. a link).
3. After a moment, a menu will appear with additional options.

Long press gestures are not as versatile as 3D Touch, but they can still be useful for accessing additional features within certain apps.

In conclusion, while the iPhone 5s does not have 3D Touch, there are still ways to get similar functionality on your device. By activating Reachability and using long press gestures, you can access additional features with ease.