iOS 16 keyboard touch feature improves typing feel, but Apple says it may affect battery life

September 21 - iOS 16 introduces a new keyboard touch feature for the default keyboard. When enabled, the iPhone will produce a slight vibration for each key hit while typing, providing physical confirmation that the key has been pressed and improving the typing feel. The feature still works relatively well, but Apple says it may affect battery life.

In a support document released last week, Apple said that "turning on keyboard touch may affect iPhone battery life." Apple didn't provide additional details, so it's unclear exactly how much power the feature will consume. It's worth noting that low-power mode does not disable keyboard touch, so the only option for users concerned about the battery life impact is to turn the feature off.

Any software feature on the iPhone will obviously increase power consumption, but Apple specifically mentioned this keyboard touch feature, which could mean that its impact on battery life might be a bit greater.

To enable keyboard haptics, open the Settings app, go to Sound & Haptics > Keyboard Feedback, and turn on haptics. This feature is available on iPhone 8 and later running iOS 16 or later, and uses the Taptic Engine linear motor inside the iPhone.