APPLE’S latest iOS update has a lesser-known feature that helps protect your eyes.
The feature can be turned on within your Screen Time settings and it’s great for people who like to read articles on their phone.
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Apple has called the useful trick Screen Distance.
The tech giant says on its website: “Help protect your vision with the Screen Distance feature in Screen Time, which encourages you to move your iPhone farther away if you’ve held it closer than 12 inches for an extended period.”
It explains that looking at a device or book too close for too long can have a negative impact.
If you do this you may experience eye strain.
There’s also said to be a risk of myopia developing in young users.
Myopia is also referred to as nearsightedness.
Newer iPhones can use their cameras to detect how far away your face is.
Apple explains: “The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera (on supported models)—the same TrueDepth camera that powers Face ID—to detect when you hold iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away.”
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To turn it on, just go to your Settings and click on Screen Time.
Then, click on Screen Distance and make sure it’s turned on.
The feature is turned on automatically for users under 13 who are part of a Family Sharing group.
Once enabled, Screen Distanced will send alerts when a phone has been held too close for extended periods.
The alert will cover the whole screen and reads: “iPhone is too close.”
Users will be told to keep their phones at arm’s length.
