Apple’s New Safari Feature Removes Distracting Items from Websites
Apple has been at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry, and its latest feature, Distraction Control, is set to revolutionize the way we browse the web. This new tool allows users to remove distracting elements from a website, making their browsing experience more focused and efficient.
How Does Distraction Control Work?
The feature follows Arc Browser’s addition of Boost last year, which enabled users to remove features from a site and customize its appearance. Apple is rolling out the early version of Distraction Control through new developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
To access the Distraction Control tool, users can navigate to the Page Menu in the Smart Search field. From there, they can select the item on the website they want to remove. Safari will remember to remove the elements the next time they visit the site.
Limitations of Distraction Control
While Distraction Control is a powerful tool, it has its limitations. The choice doesn’t currently sync across hardware, which means users will have to hide the elements on each new device. This might be frustrating for users who switch between devices frequently.
Additionally, Apple stated that the feature won’t remove ads or sections with frequently changing content. This means that users may still see certain elements on a website, even if they’ve hidden them before.
Can Distraction Control Remove Dynamic Content?
One question on everyone’s mind is whether Distraction Control can remove dynamic content from websites. For instance, can it hide the "Who to follow" or "Explore" sections on X, which appear in the same place on the home page but have different content?
Unfortunately, Apple hasn’t provided a clear answer to this question yet. However, Arc Browser’s Boost tool was able to remove these sections during our testing last year.
What Else is New in iOS 18?
In addition to Distraction Control, Apple has introduced several other features in iOS 18. One of the most notable changes is a redesigned reader for better listening and font controls.
The revamped reader allows users to customize their reading experience with improved font sizes, line spacing, and brightness control. This feature is perfect for users who prefer to read on their devices without distractions.
Highlights: A New Feature in iOS 18
Another exciting new feature in iOS 18 is Highlights. This feature surfaces important information from a page, including quick links for driving directions, call information, and summaries of TV show reviews mentioned on a page.
Highlights are designed to make it easier for users to find relevant information on websites without having to scroll through the entire page. This feature is especially useful for users who want to quickly gather information without getting bogged down by irrelevant details.
Conclusion
Safari’s Distraction Control is an innovative feature that has the potential to revolutionize the way we browse the web. By allowing users to remove distracting elements from websites, Apple is taking a significant step towards improving user experience.
While there are some limitations to this feature, it’s still an exciting development in the world of web browsing. With its focus on providing a clutter-free and efficient browsing experience, Distraction Control is sure to make waves in the tech industry.
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Sources
If you want to learn more about Distraction Control or other features in iOS 18, we recommend checking out the following sources:
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of Safari’s Distraction Control and its potential impact on web browsing. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest tech developments!