iPhones will soon remind users not to use them too close to their eyes.
Apple added a feature that would alert users of iOS 17-ready iPhones if they're using their devices too close to their eyes for an extended period, lessening the risk of eye conditions that negatively affect one's eyesight.
Apple's iOS 17 is predicted to arrive on iPhone Xs and later models sometime in September, per Tom's Guide.
Apple iOS 17 Screen Distance Feature Details
iPhones are nifty gadgets - they can fit into a pocket and do almost anything a person needs, like paying for a purchase, playing games, sending and receiving messages, and connecting to the internet.
However, not everything in the phone's display is viewable when used at a safe distance of more than 12 inches from the eyes - the recommended distance Apple suggests to protect our eyes.
As such, we tend to use our phones closer to our faces to see what we're looking at than zooming in, which may or may not be possible due to the various content we consume through our phones.
To remedy this, Apple mentioned in its announcement of its iOS 17 it is adding a feature that would help people, especially children, to lower their risk of nearsightedness (also known as myopia) and reduce digital eye strain.
This feature, called Screen Distance, is an opt-in feature that uses the TrueDepth camera - the same one iPhones use for Face ID - to encourage users to move their device farther away from their faces after holding it closer than 12 inches for extended periods. According to MacRumors, the feature works by using the TrueDepth camera to measure the distance between an iPhone's screen and the user's eyes.
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Should the feature be enabled, it would send a full-screen alert prompting users to move their device farther away after holding it closer than 12 inches to their eyes for an extended period.
Once a user's face is far enough, a "continue" button will appear in the full-screen alert - tapping on this will dismiss it, allowing the user to continue their phone use.
iPhone users interested in using the feature can find it on the Health app; users can switch it on and off anytime.
Other iOS 17 Details
Aside from Screen Distance, Apple's upcoming iOS 17 update also comes with fixes and updates users will enjoy. These include customized font styles for the lock screen, along with a set of widgets that show information much faster and a way to show your favorite photos.
Additionally, iOS 17 will come with personalized contact posters to give users a new way of expressing themselves, live voicemail that provides real-time transcription as someone leaves a voicemail, and even the addition of audio and video messages, reactions, and extends to Apple TV via FaceTime.
Lastly, Apple is also bundling a new app called Journal with iOS 17 that helps iPhone users reflect and practice gratitude through journaling, new mental health features for the Health app, and greater protection for Private Browsing in Safari.
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