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With today's release of iOS 18 beta 5, Apple introduced an exciting new feature called Distraction Control in Safari. This feature aims to improve your web browsing experience by allowing you to hide distracting elements on web pages.
In the age of digital distractions, browsing the web can quickly become a challenge. Pop-ups, login prompts, and other overlaying content can disrupt your focus. With the new Distraction Controls in iOS 18 Beta 5, Apple offers a solution that allows you to selectively hide these distracting elements. This feature is another example of how Apple is continuously working to improve the user experience and give you more control over your digital life.
What is distraction control?
Distraction Control is a new feature in Safari introduced with iOS 18 beta 5. It allows you to hide specific elements on a web page that you find distracting. This could include login pop-ups, cookie requests, or other overlaying content.
How do I enable distraction control?
To enable Distraction Control in Safari, follow these steps:
- Open Safari: Make sure you have iOS 18 Beta 5 installed on your device.
- Go to the page menu: Click the page menu icon that you use for the reader and viewer.
- Select “Hide distractions”: You will find this option in the same menu. Activate it to start the distraction control.
- Select elements: You can now manually select the elements on the website that you want to hide.
How does distraction control work?
Distraction Control persists across page refreshes and reloads as long as the hidden element doesn't change. It's important to note that this feature doesn't proactively hide elements; you have to select each distracting element yourself. Apple stresses that this feature isn't intended to be an ad blocker. Ads that update frequently will reappear after a page reload.
Benefits of Distraction Control
- Improved focus: You can hide distracting elements and concentrate better on the content of the website.
- Individual control: You decide which elements are distracting for you and which are not.
- No interference with website structure: The function does not have a permanent effect on the website and respects its integrity.
Limitations of Distraction Control
- Manual selection required: You must select each distracting element yourself.
- Not intended as an ad blocker: Ads will reappear when the page is refreshed.
- No permanent cookie management: The function closes cookie banners like a manual click, but without permanently accepting or rejecting them.
Availability
Distraction Control is available in iOS 18 beta 5, iPadOS 18 beta 5, and macOS Sequoia beta 5. These updates are currently available to registered beta testers and are expected to roll out soon as a public beta and eventually a general release.
iOS 18 Beta 5: Improved user experience thanks to distraction control in Safari
With the introduction of Distraction Control in iOS 18 Beta 5, Apple is taking another step towards an improved user experience. This feature gives you more control over your browsing experience and helps you surf the web more focused and efficiently. If you are already a beta tester, try Distraction Control and discover how it can make your everyday life easier. Stay tuned for more updates and features that Apple will release in the future. Looking for new accessories? Discover in our Amazon Storefront a variety of products from leading manufacturers, including HomeKit and more! (Image: Apple)
