Launched to hype the upcoming Brad Pitt-starring F1 film, this two-minute preview uses the iPhone’s Taptic Engine to deliver vibrations that sync with the on-screen action, making you feel the roar of Formula 1 engines and the click of a seatbelt. It’s a bold move to immerse fans in the high-octane world of F1 before its June 27, 2025, theatrical debut.
Engine Revs You Can Feel
The F1 haptic trailer transforms your iPhone into a mini racetrack. As Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, revs up his car, your phone pulses with intense vibrations. Subtle moments, like a seatbelt snapping or a ping pong ball bouncing, trigger delicate taps, while high-speed crashes jolt your hands. Available on iPhones running iOS 18.4 or later, the trailer lives in the Apple TV+ tab of the TV app, where it’s featured prominently. Users are buzzing, with one calling it “like being in the damn car,” and another comparing it to a PS5 controller’s rumble.
Taptic Engine Steals The Show
Apple’s Taptic Engine, a staple for iPhone haptics since the iPhone 6S, powers this innovation. Unlike basic vibration motors in Android devices, the Taptic Engine delivers precise, varied feedback, syncing vibrations with on-screen action for a cinematic feel. From engine roars to pit stop tire changes, the trailer showcases the motor’s range, creating a multisensory experience that’s a first for movie marketing.
The F1 film, directed by Top Gun: Maverick’s Joseph Kosinski, follows Sonny Hayes, a 1990s racing phenom (Pitt) mentoring a rookie (Damson Idris) for a struggling team. With a $300 million budget and real F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Apple’s banking on a blockbuster. The haptic trailer, exclusive to iPhone, is a savvy marketing play to draw Apple TV+ subscribers, priced at $9.99/month in the U.S.
Beyond the Trailer
This isn’t just a one-off. The haptic trailer hints at Apple’s broader vision for immersive content, potentially extending to Vision Pro or future films. Macworld likened it to 4DX theater effects, suggesting applications for full movies or haptic accessories. The trailer’s exclusivity to iPhone limits its reach, but it’s a bold step in redefining how we experience media on mobile devices.
How to Try It
Grab an iPhone with iOS 18.4 or later, open the Apple TV app, and head to the TV+ tab.
Apple TV F1 haptic trailer direct link: https://tv.apple.com/us/clip/haptic-trailer/umc.cmc.5834l80x7lpxvb1wqiz7uvgj7?targetId=umc.cmc.3t6dvnnr87zwd4wmvpdx5came&targetType=Movie
The F1 haptic trailer should pop up as a featured banner; if not, search for F1: The Movie. Hold your phone, keep the sound on, and feel the action. For the best experience, we recommend enabling vibrations under Accessibility > Touch > Vibration.
The film hits U.S. theaters on June 27, 2025, with streaming on Apple TV+ to follow.
