Apple unveils world’s first haptic movie trailer for Joseph Kosinski’s ‘F1’-OxBig News Network

The first haptic trailer for ‘F1’
| Photo Credit: Apple TV

Apple has launched a groundbreaking promotional feature for its upcoming racing film F1, introducing the world’s first haptic-enabled movie trailer. The immersive trailer, which can be viewed on iPhones running iOS 18.4 via the Apple TV app, gives users a tactile experience of key moments from the film.

The trailer uses the iPhone’s Taptic Engine to synchronise vibrations with the on-screen action, allowing viewers to feel events like roaring engines, tire skids, and even subtle moments like the click of a seatbelt or a bouncing ball. It mirrors the multi-sensory effects of 4DX theaters but delivers the experience through a smartphone for the first time.

Starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, F1 follows a former Formula One driver who is called out of retirement to mentor a rising talent, played by Damson Idris. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film is set for theatrical release on June 27 and will later be available on Apple TV.

To access the haptic trailer, users must update their iPhones to iOS 18.4, open the Apple TV app, and select the specially marked F1 trailer. Viewers will feel dynamic feedback throughout the trailer such as acceleration bursts and tension-filled crashes. This marks a first in cinematic promotion, bringing haptic technology that’s commonly used in gaming into the world of film.