Many are looking forward to seeing the new models of Apple's smartphones. There is speculation that iPhone SE will be arriving soon, but new reports claim that it misses one key feature.

No 3D Touch

NoWhereElse.fr released leaked photos of the anticipated iPhone SE, which made headlines online. The 4-inch iPhone is noticeably missing the 3D Touch components, which only supports earlier rumors.

According to MacRumors, there were speculations that the 4-inch iPhone will feature the same look and feel as that of iPhone 5S. However, it will come with "slightly-curved cover glass" and more advanced internal specs.

The new phone will be equipped with an A9 processor, 8-megapixel camera, Touch ID, Apple Pay support and metal casing. It will arrive with Live Photos support but will lack 3D Touch.

What is 3D Touch

Based on Apple's website, 3D Touch is the key feature that was made popular by the iPhone 6s series. It is a new approach for users to interact with their phones that "brings a new dimension of functionality."

It senses the pressure the user applies to the screen. Aside from the multi-touch gestures like tap, swipe and pinch, this also allows users to peek and pop. For example, for peek and pop, one can get a preview of all the content without the need to actually open it. With a light press, the user can peek at his email and press it a little deeper to open or pop it.

Aside from making email management more convenient and easy, 3D Touch also allows users to peek and pop a website, photos taken and a location. One press can turn the keyboard into a track pad. Pressing the left side of the Home screen allows the user to change to multi-tasking view and to improve pressure-sensitive drawings. For instance, when taking notes or drawing, the user can press the screen lightly for finer lines or press it deeply for thicker ones.

With this feature, one will not only learn the magic of touch but also appreciate the pressure exerted in every activity he or she does. This attribute allows users to do more and offers a brand new experience.

Possible Reasons for Lack of 3D Touch

Although it is not appealing for the Cupertino-based company to introduce the 3D technology and produce new handsets without it, they may have reasons to do so, per Forbes.

One reason is possibly to divide the iPhone range in two. The premium iPhone includes iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, while the cheaper range includes iPhone SE and iPhone 5S.

Second, if they integrate 3D Touch to iPhone SE, customers might prefer it over Apple's more high-end and profitable models such as 6S and 6S Plus. Thus, users will no longer have the reason to upgrade to their premium models.