Taptic Engine vs standard vibration motor

[MoodyM]

What exactly does/can the Taptic Engine do that a standard vibration motor in a mobile phone can't?

 

[asleep]

...
You’ll also notice a new default vibration option for text tones in the Settings app. The new default vibration, called Synchronized, replaces the older Staccato default vibration from older devices. Synchronized allows for the Taptic Engine to sync with the sound of a selected text tone. This provides users with a unique vibration that matches each selected text tone, which is really cool.
...
With Apple’s new Taptic Engine found in the iPhone 6s, vibrations are now much more subtle, which will make it less likely that anyone besides the iPhone owners knows when a vibration alert is incoming.

iPhone 6 Plus (left) versus iPhone 6s Plus

Along with the new Synchronized vibration, you’ll find a new Accent vibration, which is the default for Ringtone vibration on the iPhone 6s. Apple’s motivations for using the new Taptic Engine likely stemmed from its inclusion of 3D Touch, a feature that heavily benefits from the nuanced vibration patterns that the old vibration motor couldn’t accommodate...​

 

[Olllllie]

Gets to full-speed instantly, which results in extremely precise feedback.

 

[redman042]

It can do a much wider variety of patterns. It taps you when you peek, and double taps you when a peek is not available.

Normal vibrates are smoother and just feel nicer.

 

[Arran]

What exactly does/can the Taptic Engine do that a standard vibration motor in a mobile phone can't?

From a functional angle, it's quieter.

From a business angle, It can be patented, branded, marketed and protected. Notice how on the watch and 6s teardown photos, the Taptic Engine is prominently branded?

 

[Newtons Apple]

I believe the old one rotated where the Taptic motor is linear and goes back and forth on a single plane. Some will like and other will hate as you can not hear it, but that is the whole idea. I find it much more private as the old vibrator could be heard by anyone around you.

I find it a big improvement.

 

[tonnyhu]

It can do a much wider variety of patterns. It taps you when you peek, and double taps you when a peek is not available.

Normal vibrates are smoother and just feel nicer.

What Is Tapatic ENGINE
There are two basic types of vibration motor. An eccentric rotating mass vibration motor (ERM) uses a small unbalanced mass (we usually call it eccentric weight) on a DC motor, when it turns it creates a centrifugal force that translates to vibrations. A linear vibration motor contains a moving mass attached to a wave spring, which creates a force when driven.

ERM vibration motor

Z-axis Linear Vibration Motor

 

[nordique]

been one of my favourite things about iPhones since the 6s

Taptic feedback is great!

 

[Julienne]

Old thread...

 

[mclana]

i think Taptic Engine is much greater than a standard vibration motor.