Apple Confirms Rich Notifications Will Come to Devices Without 3D Touch

Despite only showcasing iOS 10's new rich notifications feature on an iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus during WWDC, Apple has confirmed in beta notes that devices without the pressure sensing technology of the newest iPhone models will also be getting rich notifications. Still, the feature is relegated -- and "optimized" -- for the 6s and 6s Plus in the first iOS 10 beta, with full functionality coming to older-model iPhones in the future.

iOS 10 rich notifications

"Support for rich notifications is optimized for 3D Touch, and in iOS 10 beta 1 the feature is available only on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Future betas will provide access to this functionality for users of iPhone models without support for 3D Touch."

Rich notifications function as a way for users to pop into apps without needing to navigate through unlocking the iPhone and finding the app on their home screen. On the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, a simple 3D Touch can expand a Message with a full keyboard to type out a reply, or show a live broadcast of a sporting event. With no more descriptive information in the Apple beta notes for developers, it's unclear how this feature will work on iPhone models lacking 3D Touch, although some form of long press is likely.

Similar iOS 10 tidbits have been emerging from WWDC following yesterday's keynote, including new information on iMessage Apps and the potential removal of Game Center from the public release of iOS 10 this fall.

Tag: iOS 10

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Reportedly Plans to Unveil at Least Five New Products Next Week

Sunday February 22, 2026 9:48 am PST by
In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple will have a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4. In total, he expects Apple to introduce "at least five products." Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. A week ago, Apple invited selected journalists and content creators to an "Apple Experience" in...
tim cook data privacy day

Tim Cook Warned by CIA That China Could Move on Taiwan by 2027

Tuesday February 24, 2026 4:03 am PST by
Apple CEO Tim Cook was among a handful of top tech executives who attended a classified CIA briefing warning that China could attack Taiwan by 2027, according to a sweeping investigative report by The New York Times ($). The previously unreported briefing was apparently held in a secure room in Silicon Valley in July 2023. The meeting is said to have been arranged at the request of the...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3.1 Update for iPhones Coming Soon as 'Apple Experience' Nears

Sunday February 22, 2026 5:29 pm PST by
Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.3.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.3.1 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released within the next two weeks. Last month, Apple released iOS 26.2.1 with bug fixes and support for the second-generation...

Top Rated Comments

Zaft Avatar
127 months ago
iOS10 Messages is the equivalent of bloatware. I used to prefer the simplicity of Apple's default apps. Apple seems to be moving away from simplicity which is a major disappointment.
You dont have to use those features. Apple cant stay very simple when competitors are moving forward.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kyleh22 Avatar
127 months ago
iOS10 Messages is the equivalent of bloatware. I used to prefer the simplicity of Apple's default apps. Apple seems to be moving away from simplicity which is a major disappointment.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
Way to disable this?? Seems bad security wise anyone can pick up your phone reply to a message? Unless it doesnt work like that?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
danleon950410 Avatar
127 months ago
iOS10 Messages is the equivalent of bloatware. I used to prefer the simplicity of Apple's default apps. Apple seems to be moving away from simplicity which is a major disappointment.
"Simplicity" was becoming a cancer among the majority of users, who with all the reason demanded more features. They're delivering and getting in-line with competition.

The new emoji size might nag a little, but otherwise no one is forcing you to either use the app or its new features. If your friends are anything like you, they won't either.

But not adding features is one of the most mediocre things i can think of, and the surely aren't stopping only because persons like you are obsessed with "clean,superior and simple looks" over functionality. And thank god for that
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
With each new version iOS is gradually turning into a mediocre operating system.

Where is the simplicity and elegance it was known for? I can't stand "features" like these Windows style X buttons to close the pop up.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
127 months ago
Seeing as many of you have no ability to think past those irrational thoughts that pop into your heads ... HERE are the controls for security at the lock screen. Now stop!

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)