What you need to know
- The Pixel 9 series quietly added an “Adaptive Touch” feature that makes it more responsive to wet fingers or the screen, though Google didn’t mention it during the launch event.
- In Display Settings you’ll find a new “Adaptive Touch” option that adjusts touch sensitivity based on your environment and whether or not you have a screen protector on.
- Adaptive Touch is enabled by default on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
The Pixel 9 series also features Silent Adaptive Touch, a useful feature that improves responsiveness on wet fingers or screen protectors. These details were revealed after the launch, although Google did not highlight them during the event.
As Mishal Rahman mentioned Android AuthorityThere is a new Adaptive Touch option in Display Settings. When turned on, it automatically adjusts your device’s touch sensitivity based on your environment, how you use the device, and whether a screen protector is in the mix.
Although Google hasn’t officially announced it, it’s not surprising that Adaptive Touch was not mentioned at the Google 2024 event planned for the Pixel 9 series.
The feature is now confirmed to be enabled by default on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL. It was rumored back in March, but now it’s officially available, and it’s especially useful when your fingers get wet.
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It’s probably worth noting that it’s still possible to toggle screen protector mode, perhaps for those who prefer to manually manage screen protector detection without using Adaptive Touch.
Comparison tests show significant differences between the Pixel 9 with adaptive touch and the older Pixel 8 Pro. In an Android Authority video, the Pixel 9 boasts excellent touch sensitivity, even with wet fingers, while the Pixel 8 Pro suffers from erratic screen skipping and zooming without this feature.
The Pixel 9 comes pre-installed with Adaptive Touch, so you’re ready to go out of the box. While it’s hard to say why you should disable this feature, you can find the option in Settings if you change your mind.
The Pixel 9 launch event was short and focused mostly on AI, which probably meant there wasn’t time to cover all the cool features of Google’s new flagship phones. However, advanced AI technology definitely increases the appeal of the Pixel 9 series.
