Image: Anastasiia Sienotova/Getty Images.
Holding a screen too close to the eyes not only causes eye fatigue, but can also increase the risk of eye problems in children, including myopia.
To prevent these risks, Apple created the Screen Distance feature, available with iOS 17, which aims to help users – especially children – keep their devices a healthy distance from their eyes.
The Screen Distance feature uses iPhone and iPad’s TrueDepth camera, also used for Face ID, to detect if you hold your iPhone within 12 inches of your face for an extended period of time. If your device detects a trend, it will encourage you to move your face away from the screen.
Note that Screen Distance is enabled by default for children under 13 (this age varies by territory) in a Family Sharing group.
Here’s how to configure this function.
1. Go to Settings
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance.
2. Read the explanations
Click on Continue. The following screen explains how Screen Distance works:
3. Enable the feature
Click again Continue. The Screen Distance feature is now enabled.
All you have to do is wait.
How it works ?
Your iPhone (or iPad) uses the TrueDepth camera to periodically measure the distance between your screen and your eyes. If that distance turns out to be too close most of the time, the device displays an alert that tells you: “iPhone may be too close. »
This alert encourages you to adjust the distance between your screen and your eyes. When the device is at a safe distance, a checkmark appears on the screen. All you have to do is click on Continue then resume the course of your activities.
Don’t worry, Screen Distance doesn’t store photos or videos, and no data is collected – everything is processed on the device.
Source: ZDNet.com