Update: LiquidSkin are currently selling a great screen protector for only $0.50 for both iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Add these to your cart and use the following promo codes:
- iPhone 6s LiquidSkin Screen Protector — use code YTETINAX at checkout
- iPhone 6s Plus LiquidSkin Screen Protector — use code TQLPTKZZ at checkout
The 3D-Touch pressure sensitive features in the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus is invisible to the eye but — at some level — its based off sensors in the screen that detect levels of pressure. This led some people to worry if plastic screen protectors and glass screen covers would impact the sensors, perhaps even prevent 3D Touch from working completely.
However, it turns out this is not the case. 3DTechtronics asked Apple SVP Phil Schiller about this issue in an email. Schiller responded and says it’s not a problem: “screen overlays that follow our guidelines will continue to work with 3D Touch”.
As long as the screen protector accessories comply with Apple’s guidelines, everything should be fine. But what are Apple’s guidelines? Apple’s rules for accessory manufacturers have three requirements for screen overlays:
If a case design requires the Apple device’s touchscreen to be covered with an overlay, the overlay must not:
- exceed 0.3 mm in thickness
- introduce air gaps between the touchscreen and overlay
- be electrically conductive
A quick search shows that almost all existing iPhone screen protectors will meet these requirements. The last requirement is naturally conformed to by any touchscreen cover, otherwise the touchscreen wouldn’t work at all. In addition, the vast majority of screen protectors are thinner than 0.3mm for both functional and aesthetic reasons.
Official MFI accessories will work but so will the amass of unofficial plastic and tempered glass screen covers on sale for iPhones today. Apple’s iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus launch on September 25th.