The latest teaser for F1 The Movie is a must-see on your smartphone. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and co-written by Ehren Kruger, both known for their work on Top Gun: Maverick, the film features Brad Pitt playing Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver who returns to the sport to coach an up-and-coming racer named Joshua “Noah” Pearce (played by Damson Idris). The story revolves around their adventures with the fictional Apex Grand Prix team. Other notable cast members include Oscar nominee Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Oscar winner Javier Bardem.
Apple has unveiled the world’s first haptic feedback movie trailer for F1, which can only be fully appreciated on an iPhone. This innovative trailer utilizes the iPhone’s Taptic engine to deliver synchronized vibrations with the on-screen racing scenes. It is currently available for viewing through the Apple TV app on iPhones that operate on iOS 18.4 or later.
The Significance of F1’s Haptic Trailer for the Film
The Pioneering Haptic Movie Trailer
This trailer is touted as the first of its kind to incorporate haptic feedback, a surprising fact given that this technology was initially introduced with the Apple Watch in 2015 and later integrated into iPhones. With Apple Studios producing the F1 movie, it’s a strategic move to leverage their proprietary Taptic engine to enhance the trailer’s viewing experience. This approach not only showcases technological innovation but also aligns with the timing of their promotional activities, with the first trailer released just before the 2024 British Grand Prix and another before the Australian Grand Prix.
During the Apple 2025 Worldwide Developers Conference keynote, Apple executive Craig Federighi showcased an APXGP car atop the roof of Apple Park, the company’s headquarters, further blending the worlds of cinema and Formula One racing. The F1 25 video game also features a special racing skin for the cars, echoing the design seen in the movie’s APXGP team. These promotional efforts highlight the movie’s close ties with the racing world.
Our Impressions of F1’s Haptic Trailer
Innovative Use of Haptic Technology
The haptic feedback in the F1 trailer adds an exciting layer to the viewing experience, with vibrations that intensify as Brad Pitt’s character gears up and races. The synchronization of the tactile feedback with the racing scenes onscreen truly enhances the immersion. While this novel use of haptic technology is tailored for mobile viewing, it likely won’t replace the visual and auditory grandeur of watching the full film in an IMAX theater.
F1 is set to hit theaters on June 27.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
