Apple is prioritizing eye safety with the upcoming iOS 17 update. In their continuous efforts to protect users' eyes, Apple has introduced features like Night Shift, True Tone, and Dark Mode, and iOS 17 will add another eye-related safety feature.
The new feature, called Screen Distance, will notify users when they hold their iPhone or iPad Pro too close to their eyes for a prolonged period. Its purpose is to reduce eye strain and, more importantly, lower the risk of short-sightedness in children who regularly use Apple devices.
The recommended distance between the device and the eyes is 40-45cm (16-18 inches). With Screen Distance enabled, an "iPhone is Too Close" warning will be triggered if the distance falls below 30cm (12 inches). Once the device is moved back to a safe distance, a checkmark will appear on the screen, allowing users to continue using their device.
Similar to the Headphone Safety feature introduced in iOS 14, the Screen Distance warning will be accompanied by a message stating, "Keeping your phone at arm’s length can protect your eyesight."
To activate Screen Distance, users can navigate to the Screen Time tab in the Settings menu after downloading iOS 17. The feature can be toggled on by sliding the Screen Distance option to the 'on' position.
Apple assures that Screen Distance will be available on all iPhone and iPad Pro models with Face ID, as it utilizes the TrueDepth camera, which powers Face ID, to measure the distance between the screen and the eyes.
While iOS 17 is set to be released in September, Apple's WWDC 2023 presentation has provided a glimpse of other features to expect in the major iOS overhaul. Some of the noteworthy iOS 17 features include iMessage upgrades, a StandBy feature, and Live Voicemail.
Users can anticipate a wider gap between Apple's proprietary messaging service and SMS/RCS with iMessage-related enhancements. The ability to edit texts, reply in threads, and send iMessage-quality videos in group chats containing iPhone and Android users will likely be part of the final build.
The StandBy feature will transform the iPhone into a smart display akin to devices like Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub. Live Voicemail, on the other hand, will allow users to see and interrupt a live transcript of their calls as the caller records a voicemail message.
With more exciting features in store, iOS 17 is set to bring significant improvements upon its release later this year. In the meantime, users can also explore the fixes for three bothersome iPhone issues addressed in the iOS 16.5.1 update.