With the release of the iPhone 6s, Apple unveiled 3D Touch, a revolutionary pressure-sensitive display that allows users to interact with the screen in astoundingly novel ways. Apple may have promoted 3D Touch as the standout feature of the iPhone 6s, but with the help of a jailbreak tweak, we can also use 3D Touch on older iPhone models, such as the 6, 6 Plus, and iPhone 5s.
If you’re on the most recent iOS 10.2, you can refer to our fantastic guide on how to jailbreak iOS 10.2 for more information. If you’ve recently jailbroken your device and need assistance installing tweaks through Cydia, see our Cydia beginner’s tutorial.
How to Get 3D Touch on older iPhones
Please take note that we’ll be using the jailbreak tweak Peek-a-boo from a unique Source. Although Cydia has a tonne of alternatives, we’ll stick with it because, as of this writing, it’s the only one that works with the most recent jailbreak for iOS 10.2.
- Open Cydia, switch to the Sources tab, and tap Edit > Add .
- Enter http://repo.ioscreatix.com (without quotes) in the dialogue box that appears and tap on Add Source .
- Now that we ve successfully added the source, open Cydia again and click on the Search tab. Search for Peek-a-Boo and install this Jailbreak tweak.
After a while, the Springboard will respring, enabling 3D Touch on your old iPhone. While you can begin 3D Touching, it would be preferable if you took a moment to set up Peek-a-boo so that it could operate more precisely.
Configure Peek-a-boo Settings
Set the Sensitivity slider in System Settings > Peek-a-boo to the desired value.
The more finger touches necessary to activate 3D Touch actions increase with sensitivity. In my experience, the sensitivity setting for peek-a-boo should be between 80 and 110. Of course, depending on your finger size and preferences, you might need to fiddle with and explore a little.
A hard and an even harder press on the iPhone 6s, respectively, activates Peek and Pop. Older iPhones lack a pressure-sensitive hardware display, therefore in order to activate Peek, you must apply a specific amount of finger pressure to the screen (the sensitivity of which can be changed in Settings). Applying a little more finger pressure will replicate the Pop action.
Where Peek-a-boo Works (and Where it Doesn t)
Surprisingly well, Peek-a-boo can mimic 3D Touch on older iPhone models. To begin with, you can 3D Touch the icons on your home screen to access any app’s supported quick actions.
Peek-a-boo also functions on the Control Centers, allowing you to 3D Touch the flashlight symbol to adjust the brightness much like you could on the iPhone 6s.
It functions in Apple’s default apps, such as Photos, to enable rapid peeking and popping into your images.
Additionally, you may rapidly preview links in Safari, the App Store, or the Mail application. Third-party apps that enable 3D Touch, such as Twitter or Instagram, function flawlessly.
Even the iPhone 6s and subsequent devices have the luxury of the “Clear all notifications” button, which you can only access via 3D Touching in the Notifications centre.
Peek-a-boo doesn’t seem to operate in some locations, though. First off, it doesn’t appear like 3D touching can be used to animate a live wallpaper. The Apple keyboard does not transform into a cursor trackpad when 3D Touched, which is the next point. It’s interesting to note that 3D touching on Google’s Gboard keyboard does indeed transform it into a cursor trackpad. Do you still need an excuse to love Gboard?
Additionally, I was unable to 3D touch the leftmost portion of the iPhone screen to bring up the multitasking menu. Given the variety of 3D Touch functions that Peek-a-boo offers, all of this might be considered nitpicking.
SEE ALSO: iOS 10 Sideloading Guide for iPhone (Without Jailbreak)
Get 3D Touch on Your older Jailbroken iPhones
There is no reason at all not to install Peek-a-boo if you have an older jailbroken iPhone. It allows you to use your current iPhone with the majority of the amazing 3D Touch features without needing to buy the most recent one. How are you finding this awesome Jailbreak tweak, other older iPhone users?
Featured Picture via Flickr