The pressure-sensitive displays packed into Apple’s latest iPhones give them a unique advantage over their rivals, but not for long.

Samsung is already working to put a pressure-sensitive screen of its own into next year’s Galaxy S7, new reports claim.

According to a source on Chinese microblogging network Weibo, Samsung will use Synaptics’ new ClearForce technology in its next-generation flagships to deliver functionality similar to that of 3D Touch on iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

This will allow users to press the Galaxy S7’s display — rather than just tap it — to access additional controls, contextual menus, and more. Samsung will almost certainly emulate some of Apple’s features, such as the incredibly useful shortcuts from home screen icons.

The Galaxy S7 won’t be the first Android device with a pressure-sensitive screen, of course; Huawei’s new Mate S phablet already has one. However, it could be one of the first smartphones to employ Synaptics’ technology specifically.

“Synaptics has been working closely with leading global OEMs and LCMs to deliver this new dimension in touch with force-enabled smartphones expected to ship in early 2016,” the company noted in its press release when ClearForce was announced.

A Galaxy S7 with a pressure-sensitive screen wouldn’t be at all surprising to anyone, given Samsung’s penchant for… following the iPhone. It might be considered copying — and it is, really — but we should embrace it.

I’ve been using 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s, and I think it’s awesome. It changes the way you use your smartphone, and as far as I’m concerned, the sooner it’s available on all devices, the better.

• SourceWeibo
• ViaPhoneArena