HONG KONG— Apple Inc. plans to add sensors to detect how hard a user is pressing on a screen to its next iPhones, incorporating a technology used in its forthcoming MacBook and Apple Watch, according to people familiar with the matter.

Apple’s Force Touch technology can distinguish between a light tap and deep press, allowing users to control a device differently depending on how hard they push on a surface.

The touch technology is one of the changes that Apple plans for the next versions of its iPhones due for release later this year, these people said.

An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.

The information about the coming iPhones comes from Apple’s suppliers. Apple tests different technologies and designs with suppliers that ultimately may not be included in a product for a variety of reasons. Mass production for some of the components used in the new phones is expected to start in May, they said.