3D Touch lets us do a lot of things on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, but not everyone is familiar with all of its capabilities. One of the functions that often goes unnoticed is the ability to open the app switcher with a simple 3D Touch gesture.
Here’s how to use it.
Since the app switcher was added to iPhone and iPad with iOS 4 in 2010, invoking it has required a double-click of the home button. It’s pretty quick and simple, but iPhone 6s owners now have an even easier way of accessing it that won’t wear out that physical key.
All you need to do is press on the left edge of your iPhone’s display, then drag your finger or thumb towards the center of the screen. The app switcher will appear immediately, and you’ll be able to quickly find and dive into the app you want.
Here’s a video of the gesture in action:
If you’ve been an iPhone owner for years and you’re used to double-clicking the home button, using this 3D Touch gesture instead may take a bit of getting used to. But the simplicity of it makes it worthwhile in the end.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
4 responses to “How to open the app switcher using 3D Touch on iPhone”
Yeah we know, but try doing this with a case on your phone that covers the sides of the phone (e.g. the Apple Silicon Case) – very tricky to do!
They didn’t show, nor does Apple’s Tech Specs for the 7/7+ mention that 3D Touch is still there. What’s the deal?
iOS 10 heavily relies on 3D Touch, so it’s implied.
I find it a lot easier to use the double click home button method and it works every time. So many times of using the press and drag, I just end up on the screen to search.