Why doesn't iOS use more gestures?

[Dulcimer]

I've seen my friend on his Nexus 4 where he can use a multitude of gestures to perform a quick Google search, open a specific app, bring up multitasking, etc. The iPhone can't do this.

What really makes this odd is the fact that Apple made the whole gesture-based approach popular with Mac OS X. It works so seamlessly, especially with Mountain Lion and the trackpad on their line of MacBook laptops.

That's what makes this all the more puzzling: Why doesn't iOS use more gestures? iPad's iOS uses some gestures (e.g., closing apps, swiping for the multitasking tray) but even then it's quite limited.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

 

[NutsNGum]

It's probably a desire not to unnecessarily complicate things for a feature that few would likely use on such a small screen. On the iPad, I can understand it, as you have plenty of room for all fingers in either orientation. That's not true of a 4" screen.

 

[APlotdevice]

Any system-wide gesture that Apple introduces has the potential to break functionality in existing apps. Even the notification center caused problems.

 

[Small White Car]

Any system-wide gesture that Apple introduces has the potential to break functionality in existing apps. Even the notification center caused problems.

Yep. Every gesture Apple adds suddenly means every developer can no longer use it.

 

[Cod3rror]

I'd love it if Apple integrated Zephyr into iOS. Awesome tweak!

 

[white4s]

if you're jailbroke you can have the gesture option

 

[Dulcimer]

I'd love it if Apple integrated Zephyr into iOS. Awesome tweak!

Yes, or Automator. Those are awesome. Unfortunately for me, jailbreaking isn't really something I enjoy doing. I just think Apple should add a few more gestures to toggle settings or for the multitasking tray (iPad-like).

iOS 7 rumours suggest that the team is implementing more gestures, so I may get my wish after all!

 

[Intell]

You can create your own gestures in the Accessibility settings.

 

[shenfrey]

Being able to swipe left and right in my browser for page returning on my ipad seems like an obvious omission