Assistive Touch is a nifty feature that has been available on iOS devices for years. This is especially useful if your home button is damaged or no longer working. It basically eliminates the need for the home button, as it can perform almost all the functions that the physical button can. That’s right, you can multitask, access Siri, and much more with Assistive Touch. Now, this feature has been further enhanced by Apple in the upcoming iOS 11.1 software update as users can add their own custom actions to Assistive Touch. As of now, iOS 11.1 is currently in beta and available only to developers and public beta testers, but the final stable release is expected to be available as early as next month. Let’s take a look at how to add custom Assistive Touch actions in iOS 11.1 if you want to try it out now:
Add Custom Actions to Assistive Touch
note: I tried this feature on iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus running iOS 11.1 beta 4 for developers and it worked flawlessly. It should work the same on all iPhones including the new iPhone X. As of now, iOS 11.1 is only accessible if you are part of Apple’s developer beta or public beta program.
If you’ve lost your patience waiting for iOS 11.1, you can sign up for Apple’s beta program on their website. official website and then update your device to the latest beta firmware. After finishing the update, simply follow the steps below to add customs clearance to Assistive Touch immediately:
- go Settings on your iOS device and navigate to: General -> Accessibility.
- In Accessibility settings, tap on it. “Assist touch” and make sure you have it enabled in the first place. In the same menu you will also be able to: add custom actions for single tap, double tap, long press and 3D Tap gestures. Depending on your usage preference, tap one of these gestures to add a custom action.
- Here, you will be able to choose from many actionsSiri, Control Center, Lock Screen, Multitasking, Notifications etc. as. Simply select the one you want to set as custom action for Assistive Touch.
SEE ALSO: How to Disable True Tone on iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus
Assistive Touch That Replaces Your Home Button?
After millions of clicks, the physical home button of any iOS device can be damaged by wear and tear. Sometimes, if you’re unlucky enough, it can be malfunctioning without even realizing it. Also, the new iPhone X doesn’t really have a home button. With custom actions on Assistive Touch, you no longer really need to depend on your physical button. The ability to set your own functions for touch and press gestures makes this feature even better, and it only takes a few minutes to adjust to your usage preferences. If you’re not patient enough to wait for the stable release, you can access the beta software by signing up for Apple’s beta program now. So, are you ready to take advantage of Assistive Touch? Let us know by leaving your valuable feedback in the comments section below.
