Our full Google Pixel 9 review shows that we’re generally very impressed with Google’s flagship phone, but we’re still finding new features the device has to offer, including Adaptive Touch technology on the display.
As noted by Android AuthorityIf you dive into the Display section of Settings, there’s a new adaptive touch input in the Touch sensitivity menu. When the feature is enabled, “touchscreen sensitivity will automatically adjust based on your environment, activities, and screen protector,” according to the official blurb.
And that pretty much sums it up: Adaptive Touch makes it easier to use the screen when your fingers are wet, or when you have a screen protector on, or when you’re wearing gloves, for example. The feature appears to be enabled by default on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Back in March, it was rumored that Adaptive Touch was coming to Pixel 9 devices, thanks to code hidden within a beta version of Android 14. Now, it appears the code is live and enabled.
More to come
Google hasn’t officially said anything about Adaptive Touch yet, but that’s perhaps not surprising: the company had a ton of information to share during its Made by Google 2024 event a few weeks ago, where it unveiled the Pixel 9 lineup.
It appears the feature will require hardware support of some sort, as there’s no sign of Adaptive Touch on the older Google Pixel 8 phones. If you think you’ll find this useful, then you’ll want to consider upgrading to the 2024 phones – the Pixel 9 starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,349.
This isn’t the first discovery of an unannounced feature on these devices, either. We previously noted that the Pixel 9 phones had improved the upgrade process (something Google has now commented on ), and the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold also comes with a significant upgrade when it comes to hardware security.
While these improvements weren’t formally announced at the Pixel 9’s launch, they certainly add to the phones’ appeal. And of course, Google spent a lot of time talking up other new features, too, including a bunch of AI tricks.