While you might not have heard about it at the initial launch, Apple snuck a helpful feature into iOS 17: Screen Distance. This isn't exactly a secret agent mission, but it wasn't front and center either.
Think of Screen Distance as your friendly neighborhood reminder to take a break from all that close-up screen time. We've all been there, engrossed in a gripping article or the latest meme, holding our phones a little too close for comfort. According to health organizations like Cedars-Sinai, this behavior can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Apple's hoping Screen Distance can help reduce that strain and potentially even lessen the risk of nearsightedness.
So, how does it work? Screen Distance uses your iPhone's front-facing camera to detect how close you're holding the device to your face. When you get a little too close for comfort, you'll get a notification to nudge you back a bit.
While not a groundbreaking feature, Screen Distance is a thoughtful addition that can make a big difference for your eye health, especially for users who spend a lot of time glued to their iPhones.