Apple has rolled out the early version of its newest feature, Distraction Control, through new developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This innovative tool allows users to remove distracting elements from a website, further enhancing their web browsing experience.
What is Distraction Control?
Distraction Control is a feature that enables users to hide unwanted elements on a webpage, such as ads, promotional content, or other distractions that can hinder the user’s focus. This feature follows in the footsteps of Arc Browser’s Boost, which was introduced last year and allowed users to customize the appearance of websites by removing features.
Accessing Distraction Control
To access the Distraction Control tool, users need to 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 the removed elements for the next time the user visits the site.
However, it’s essential to note that the choice of hidden elements does not currently sync across hardware devices. This means users will need to hide the same elements on each new device they use.
How to Unhide Removed Elements
To unhide any previously removed elements, users can click on the blue Hide icon in the search field and select ‘Show hidden items.’ This will allow them to access the web page’s original content.
Limitations of Distraction Control
Apple has clarified that Distraction Control will not remove ads or sections with frequently changing content. For example, it may not be possible to remove a section like "Who to follow" or "Explore" on X, as these elements appear in the same place on the home page but have dynamic content.
Arc Browser’s Boost and Its Capabilities
In our testing last year, we observed that Arc Browser’s Boost tool was able to remove these sections successfully. While it remains unclear whether Distraction Control will be able to achieve similar results, this comparison highlights the growing competition in the browser market.
New Features in iOS 18
Alongside the introduction of Distraction Control, Apple has also launched several other features in iOS 18:
Redesigned Reader
The redesigned reader offers improved listening and font controls, providing users with a more seamless reading experience.
Highlights
Highlights is a feature that surfaces important information from a webpage, including quick links for driving directions, call information, and summaries of TV show reviews mentioned on the page.
These innovative features demonstrate Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience and providing users with the tools they need to navigate the web more efficiently.
Conclusion
Safari’s Distraction Control is an exciting addition to the world of web browsing. By enabling users to remove distracting elements, this feature has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with websites. As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, it will be fascinating to see how this feature evolves and what implications it may have for the browser market.
Related Articles
- Apple Announces iOS 18: What You Need to Know
- Arc Browser’s Boost Tool: A Game-Changer for Web Browsing?
- The Future of Web Browsing: Trends and Innovations to Watch
Stay tuned for more updates on Apple’s latest features and innovations!
