A new health feature (Screen Distance) for iPhones and iPads upgraded to iOS17 can help everyone prevent eye fatigue and reduce the risk of myopia in children. Without further ado, here’s how to use the iPhone screen distance settings and how it works. Apple emphasizes that this feature encourages placing your iPhone or iPad farther away (the recommended distance is30cm) to protect your vision health.

access:

Apple Online Store (China)


In iOS17 and iPadOS17, a new convenient feature called "Screen Distance" allows you to develop a good habit of using iPhone and iPad within a healthy distance. For children, this can reduce the risk of myopia, and for everyone, it can also help relieve or prevent eye strain.

Here's how Apple describes how it works:


Screen Distance works by measuring the distance between the screen and your eyes. The camera does not capture images or videos, and the data collected remains on the device and is not shared with Apple. ” Next is the setting method:

1. On an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 and equipped with FaceID, open the “Settings” app;

2. Select "Screen Time" and then click "Screen Distance";

3. Now click Continue and turn on Screen Distance;

4. Turn on the "Screen Distance" button and the setting is completed.


When the iPhone or iPad detects that you are holding the device too close, a pop-up window will appear. When you pull the device away from your eyes, click "Continue" to exit the "Screen Distance" pop-up window.

After testing, I found that I usually tend to be too close when using my iPhone at night (a window warning will pop up on the screen in about five minutes), and this feature will really help to change this bad habit of mine.

If you also have the hobby of watching videos on your phone every night, it is highly recommended to turn on this function, which can at least moderately relieve the fatigue of your eyes.