December 2nd 2024.
You may not have heard of this before, but there's a handy feature on your iPhone that could actually help protect your eyesight. With the release of iOS18 in September, Apple introduced a plethora of new features to the iPhone, as is customary. But amidst all the buzz about customizable home screens and RCS messaging, there's one feature from the previous update, iOS17, that is gaining attention for its potential health benefits.
This thoughtful feature, known as Screen Distance, aims to reduce eye strain and promote healthier screen habits by encouraging users to keep their iPhone or iPad at least 12 inches away from their eyes. It's all too easy to get caught up in a game, video, or late-night scrolling and hold our devices too close to our faces. That's where Screen Distance comes in, gently reminding us to maintain a safe distance to protect our eyes over time.
So how does this feature work? Using the front-facing camera and built-in sensors, Screen Distance measures the distance between your device and your eyes. If it detects that your screen is too close, a pop-up alert will appear, prompting you to move your device farther away. Once you adjust the distance, you can tap "Continue" to exit the alert. And don't worry, Apple ensures that no images or videos are captured, and all data remains securely on your device.
Enabling Screen Distance is a breeze. For any iPhone or iPad with Face ID running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17, simply tap "Continue" and select "Turn On Screen Distance." From there, you can access the feature in your Settings app under "Screen Time" and then "Screen Distance." Once activated, it works automatically in the background. If you hold your device too close for an extended period (usually around five minutes or less), a pop-up will appear, reminding you to adjust your distance. This serves as a gentle nudge for many users to check their habits, especially when using their devices at night when our eyes are more prone to strain.
While Screen Distance was designed with kids in mind, it's not just for them. Anyone can benefit from this feature, as it can help reduce eye strain and promote healthier screen habits. It's the small changes, like holding your device at a proper distance, that can make a big difference in eye comfort over time. So why not give it a try and see how it can improve your overall well-being? Your eyes will thank you.
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