Among the hidden features in iOS 18 is a new accessibility feature called Music Haptics. When enabled, your iPhone will provide haptic vibrations in sync with the beats of the music you’re listening to. This feature is available on iPhone 12 and later models running iOS 18.
Simply play any music, and your iPhone will vibrate along with it. It’s a fun feature that provides a full tactile music experience with taps, textures, and refined vibrations synchronized with the song’s audio. Trust me, you’ll have to try it to truly feel how amazing it is.
Music Haptics is primarily designed for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. It makes it easier for them to follow the beat of music on Apple Music and other third-party platforms, though Apple hasn’t yet specified which apps will be supported. We anticipate more apps will add support in the near future.
For now, here’s how to use Music Haptics in Apple Music on iOS 18.
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How to Enable Music Haptics for Apple Music
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Music Haptics and toggle it on.
- Now, open Apple Music and try playing a song. The haptic vibrations should kick in automatically.
You will see a Music Haptics button appear below the playback bar if the song supports Music Haptics. Apple has also curated special playlists like “Haptics Beats” and “Haptics Bass” that feature supported music.
Music Haptics works even when you turn the volume all the way down to zero. To see what it does exactly, play music, turn down the volume to the lowest level (not zero), and keep the iPhone next to you on the desk. You’d still be able to make out the music with that faint volume solely with vibrations.
And just so you know, Music Haptics works even when you’re using AirPods or other Bluetooth earphones or headphones. Sadly, iPads miss out on Music Haptics as they don’t have the Taptic Engines (Apple’s vibration motors) needed for the feature.
Quickly Pause and Resume Music Haptics
1. In Apple Music App
As mentioned earlier, compatible songs in the Apple Music app display a Music Haptics button below the playback bar. Tap it to temporarily pause the feature and the button will change to Paused. Tap it again to resume haptic vibrations.
2. From Control Center
When you enable Music Haptics for the first time, it should automatically be added to your Control Center. If it’s not there, open Control Center, tap the + in the top left corner, select Add Control, and choose Music Haptics from under Hearing Accessibility. If you can’t find it, use the search bar.
Once added, you can easily toggle Music Haptics on or off from the Control Center.
3. From Lock Screen
When playing a track on Apple Music, its controls appear on your iPhone’s lock screen. You’ll also find the Music Haptics button in the top right corner of the playback controls. Tap it to quickly enable or disable the feature.
Music Haptics Will Increase Your iPhone Battery Drain
The Music Haptics feature uses your iPhone’s Taptic Engine to generate vibrations. It’s the same motor that vibrates for calls and notifications. To create these vibrations continuously, it consumes some battery power. Therefore, when you’re using Music Haptics, your iPhone’s battery will drain faster than usual.
To cut down on battery consumption, I’d suggest locking your iPhone screen and tuning down the volume.
How to Turn Off Music Haptics on iOS 18
To disable the haptic feedback for music on your iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
- Tap on Music Haptics and toggle it off.
Seriously, All Phones Should Have This
Music Haptics is a fantastic feature that I’ve come to love. It not only helps people with hearing difficulties but also provides a unique and enjoyable experience for anyone who appreciates haptic feedback. Given its potential to enhance accessibility and overall user experience, it would be great to see this feature implemented on more phones, including Android smartphones.
