If you’ve ever struggled to use your phone with wet fingers or a screen protector, the Google Pixel 9 may have a compelling solution. Recent findings by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority suggest Google is developing an “Adaptive Touch” feature that could automatically adjust your phone’s touch sensitivity.
What is Adaptive Touch?
Adaptive Touch promises to fine-tune your phone’s touch sensitivity based on various factors. Wet conditions from rain or water can sometimes make touchscreens less responsive. Similarly, screen protectors might slightly hinder your phone’s ability to register taps and swipes accurately. Adaptive Touch aims to combat these frustrations.
This potential technology builds on existing features found in many phones. Often, you can find a “screen protector mode” to boost touch sensitivity manually. Google’s Adaptive Touch will likely automate this process and go beyond just screen protector adjustments on the Pixel 9.
How will it work?
Rahman’s investigation reveals strings of code within Android 14 that hint at the functionality of Adaptive Touch. It appears the feature will “automatically adjust touch sensitivity to your environment, activities and screen protector.”
While exact triggers remain a bit unclear, wet conditions (think using your phone in the rain) are a likely factor that could prompt Adaptive Touch to increase sensitivity. Google may even draw inspiration from features in phones like the OnePlus 12 and its “Aqua Touch” mode.
Adaptive Touch seems linked with the Pixel 8 lineup’s screen protector detector. This suggests that the feature could automatically adjust sensitivity when it recognizes a screen protector is installed.
Pixel 9 exclusive or wider release?
Discoveries within the recent Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 code strongly imply Adaptive Touch might be earmarked for the Pixel 9, internally called “P24”. However, there’s always the possibility this convenient feature could become available to older Pixel devices through Google’s regular Feature Drop updates. Time will tell if this becomes a major selling point for the Pixel 9 or eventually a wider benefit for Pixel phone owners.
Featured image source: 91Mobiles
Dwayne Cubbins
1209 Posts
My fascination with Android phones began the moment I got my hands on one. Since then, I've been on a journey to decode the ever-evolving tech landscape, fueled by a passion for both the "how" and the "why." Since 2018, I've been crafting content that empowers users and demystifies the tech world. From in-depth how-to guides that unlock your phone's potential to breaking news based on original research, I strive to make tech accessible and engaging.
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