We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Privacy Notice
Accept
BASIC thinking InternationalBASIC thinking International
  • SOCIAL MEDIA
  • MARKETING
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • BUSINESS
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • GREEN
Reading: Even many iPhone owners don’t know about this secret Apple function
Share
BASIC thinking InternationalBASIC thinking International
Search
  • SOCIAL MEDIA
  • MARKETING
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • BUSINESS
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • GREEN
Follow US
© 2003 - 2023 BASIC thinking GmbH
Technology

Even many iPhone owners don’t know about this secret Apple function

Christian Erxleben
Last updated: February 5, 2021
Christian Erxleben Published February 5, 2021
Unsplash.com / David Svihovec
SHARE

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, has been available since fall 2020. As always, the update has brought numerous new features. But with the so-called Back Tap, there is a function that even long-time iPhone users do not know yet.

Every iOS update brings its own peculiarities. Sometimes there are more features, sometimes less. iOS 14 is certainly one of the bigger updates of the last few years. After all, iPhone users are now able to individualize their own home screen for the first time.

This means that you can, for example, freely arrange logos in different sizes on your screen or build your own Corona incidence widget for your city.

The new “button” through iOS 14

However, despite all the coverage and all the visible changes and options, there is also one feature that even long-time users are not familiar with: the Back Tap. The unfamiliarity is almost certainly due to the fact that you don’t just stumble across the feature.

Specifically, the Back Tap is a practical function extension. When you activate the feature, the Apple logo on the back of your iPhone effectively turns into a button. Yes, you read that right.

These are the features the Back Tap brings to the table

The Back Tap allows you to assign different functions to your Apple logo. You can assign one function with a double tap and one with a triple tap.

You have these options:

  • App switcher
  • Lock screen
  • Screenshot
  • One-hand mode
  • Home
  • Control Center
  • Louder
  • Quieter
  • Message center
  • Shake
  • Siri
  • Spotlight
  • Sound off

You can also put a number of accessibility features behind your Apple logo:

  • Assistive Touch
  • Talk screen
  • Magnifier
  • Voice control
  • Reverse (Intelligent and Classic)
  • Voice Over
  • Zoom

In addition, you can even scroll up or down via the Apple logo or store a self-programmed shortcut. So, in theory, you can double-click on your iPhone logo to conveniently open WhatsApp.

How to activate the Back Tap

Should you have already tried to trigger a reaction by tapping on your Apple logo while reading this, you will have noticed that doesn’t happen. This is because the feature is not enabled by default.

However, if you want to use the Back Tap, here’s how to do it.

  1. Open the settings.
  2. Click on Accessibility.
  3. Select “Tap”.
  4. Click “Tap on back”.

Now you can set one function each – two in total. One action is triggered by a double tap, the other by a triple tap.

How does the Back Tap work technologically?

The most important difference compared to the touchscreen is that the Apple logo is not equipped with touch-sensitive functions. That’s why the Back Tap isn’t triggered when you hold your smartphone normally in your hand.

Instead, the iPhone’s built-in technology is used. The gyroscope and accelerometer are very sensitive. They register all movements and touches of the device.

From a purely technical point of view, your iPhone registers that your device moves forward several times for a millimeter due to a quick and targeted tap on the center back.

Your operating system then triggers the stored function based on this movement. This logic is also the reason why you can use the Back Tap despite the case. However, the built-in technology is not yet completely accurate.

So, if you find an unintentional screenshot in your gallery after jogging, it might be because the jolts unintentionally triggered the Back Tap.

Christian Erxleben February 5, 2021
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Email
By Christian Erxleben
Follow:
Christian Erxleben is a journalist from Nuremberg, Germany. He is also the editor in chief of the famous German online magazine BASIC thinking. His interests include social media, marketing and tech. Follow him on Twitter.
Previous Article Jeff Bezos resigns: Will Amazon now be a better employer?
Next Article End of unity: Reddit kicks Wallstreetbets moderators

Stay Connected

5.1k Like
180 Follow
1.9k Follow
260k Subscribe

Latest News

instagram algorithm
How does the Instagram feed algorithm work?
June 6, 2023
avatar-microsoft-teams
Microsoft Teams: How to create an avatar
June 5, 2023
how does chatgpt work?
Artificial intelligence: How does ChatGPT actually work?
June 2, 2023
charge smartphone correctly tips
Charge your smartphone battery correctly: How to make your battery last longer
May 30, 2023
whatsapp-nachrichten-bearbeiten
Correction function: How to edit your WhatsApp messages
May 26, 2023
instagram-whatsapp-facebook-daten-usa
Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook may not transfer data to the USA
May 25, 2023

You Might also Like

avatar-microsoft-teams
Technology

Microsoft Teams: How to create an avatar

Maria Gramsch Maria Gramsch June 5, 2023
how does chatgpt work?
Technology

Artificial intelligence: How does ChatGPT actually work?

Maria Gramsch Maria Gramsch June 2, 2023
charge smartphone correctly tips
Technology

Charge your smartphone battery correctly: How to make your battery last longer

Beatrice Bode Beatrice Bode May 30, 2023
Show More

About us

BASIC thinking is a modern media company that reaches over 25 million page impressions worldwide.

Categories

Ad Business Entertainment Green Marketing Social Media Technology

Quick Links

  • About us
  • Advertising
  • BASIC thinking Germany
  • Imprint
  • Privacy Policy
BASIC thinking InternationalBASIC thinking International
Follow US

© 2003 - 2023 BASIC thinking GmbH

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?