Adding a button via a software update sounds impossible – but Apple has refused to be deterred. A new feature in iOS 14 transforms the back of your iPhone (assuming it’s an iPhone 8 or later) into a touch-sensitive surface.
With the new function, you can perform various actions by tapping on the back of your iPhone, which you can assign yourself. Back Tap also works through a cover, but depending on the cover you may have to tap harder.
You can assign two functions, one for double and one for triple tap. There are a number of suggested functions to choose from, but since you can also assign shortcuts, the possibilities are almost limitless. For example, I set Control Centre to double-tap, while triple-tapping opens a chat app.
The new function is a bit hidden in the settings, but it’s easy to set up.
How to set up Back Tap
- Go to Settings and select Accessibility > Touch. You’ll find this in the section headed Physical And Motor.
- Scroll all the way down. You’ll see the option Back Tap. Tap this.
- Now you can assign functions to Double Tap and Triple Tap.
- Either select one of the suggested functions or use the Shortcuts app to program your own function.
- Now you can start your selected functions by either double- or triple-tapping with your finger on the back of your iPhone.
This article originally appeared on Macwelt. Translation by David Price.
