HTC to make next Nexus smartphone, could feature Apple’s 3D Force Touch

Google is expected to partner with HTC and not LG in 2016, with the Taiwanese company set to manufacture the next generation of Nexus smartphone devices, say unofficial reports.

Fresh information indicates that this year, Google will launch two new Nexus smartphones, both of which are expected to be built by HTC. However, there is no official confirmation from Google or HTC about the rumours yet.

The purported Nexus devices will replace last year’s Nexus 5X made by LG and Nexus 6P manufactured by Huawei. Google’s upcoming Nexus devices are believed to come with smaller displays than their predecessors.

The new Nexus smartphone, which is expected to be made by HTC, will reportedly borrow one of the best features of the Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The upcoming Nexus device is believed to sport a new version of Apple's pressure-sensitive display technology, the 3D Touch.

Furthermore, Google’s upcoming version of the Android operating system, dubbed Android N, is expected to support pressure-sensitive display functionality, reported the Express.

After its successful stint with the Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and the recent Nexus 5X smartphones, LG in 2016 aims to focus on its own smartphone brand.

An LG spokesperson conveyed to CNET at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 that even though the company is happy to be associated with Google, it will now focus on utilising its resources to build its own brand rather than a new Nexus device.

Related: LG will not make Nexus 5X successor in 2016

In related news, a recently spotted job posting on Microsoft’s website indicates that after the Windows powered version of the One M8, HTC may again come up with a Windows smartphone this year. The job listing revealed that the Redmond-based tech giant intends to look for people who can carry on sales and business development with HTC.