APPLE is "killing off" the iPhone's 3D Touch feature that unlocks secret controls on your iPhone.
It means that a handy WhatsApp trick that lets you read messages without the sender knowing could stop working.
Most new iPhone models come with a little-known feature called 3D Touch.
The screen has an extra layer of touch sensitivity in it, so by pressing hard on the display, you can bring up new options.
But 9to5Mac reports that 3D Touch is "effectively non-existent" in the upcoming iOS 13 update.
That's based on trials with the beta test version of the update, which is expected to become an official release in September.
It suggests that Apple may be scrapping the feature altogether.
And it could impact other apps, like WhatsApp – which uses 3D Touch to let you "silently" read texts.
So how does the WhatsApp Trick work?
Normally when you read a text, blue ticks appear for the sender – but iPhone users can read messages freely without triggering the ticks.
Most people trying to avoid "read receipts" simply use the Airplane Mode method, which shuts off data so the sender's WhatsApp won't know you've read a text.
But that method isn't great, because as soon as you turn Airplane Mode off the blue ticks appear – meaning you have to stay offline.
You can also turn off read receipts entirely, but then you won't get to see them from other users, which is frustrating.
However, The Sun has uncovered a method that works even better than both of these tricks – and doesn't require any setting changes.
3D Touch – which iPhone models have it?
Here's the full list...
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone X
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
If you tap once on a WhatsApp chat, you'll be taken straight into the messages.
But if you press hard and hold on the WhatsApp chat, you'll get a full-screen preview of what's inside.
This lets you read around a dozen of the latest messages sent in this chat without triggering the WhatsApp blue ticks.
But be careful – if you press too hard, you'll be taken straight into the full chat window, and the blue ticks will appear for the sender.
Once you're done, simply let go and you'll be taken back to the main chat window.
This feature could soon disappear, but WhatsApp may find a way of holding onto it – perhaps by letting users do a "long press" instead.
The best WhatsApp tips and tricks you need to knowMOST READ IN TECH
Find out how to read deleted WhatsApp messages on your phone.
You can sign up to the beta version of the app to get all of the latest features before the general public.
Another secret trick lets you change your WhatsApp font to confuse your mates.
And if that's not enough, here are 16 fun WhatsApp tips that will change the way you use the app forever.
Did you know about this cheeky WhatsApp trick? Let us know in the comments!
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