The recent release of iOS 18 has certainly made an impact. Apple has incorporated numerous new features in this latest update to its mobile operating system. Today, we'll show you everything you need to know about controlling your iPhone or iPad with your eyes using iOS 18, a new functionality designed for people who cannot use their iPhone normally.
Eye tracking is the name Apple has given to this new feature . It will facilitate navigation with various accessibility benefits, and will completely revolutionize the way you interact with your device.
Control your iPhone or iPad with your eyes using iOS 18
This is a new and very special feature built into iOS 18 with which Apple intends further diversify the tools it makes available to users with any type of disability or limitation that prevents you from using your iPhone or iPad normally.
This feature allows you to control your iOS 18 devices with eye movements using a pointer on the screen . For example, by looking at a specific element on the screen or even by holding your gaze on a point, you can perform various actions on your phone.
Furthermore, each piece of data for the configuration and control of eye tracking is processed on the device itself.
What to do before starting the setup?
For the configuration process of this feature on your device to be optimal, it is It is necessary to take into account a series of requirements which will make this faster and more effective.
As they are:
- Make sure the device's camera is find as clean as possible, since eye tracking occurs through the device's front camera.
- The location you are in at the time of setup must be well lit.
- The surface on which you are going to place the device will need to have good stability.
- Keep in mind that you must place the mobile or iPad at a approximate distance of about 30 cm from your face.
- Not all Apple iPhones are compatible with this technology, check that your device is compatible.
Set up eye tracking in iOS 18
Once all the previously stated requirements are met, You can finally start with the configuration of this functionality.
To do this, do the following:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and then go to the Accessibility section.
- Locate the Eye Tracking option and click on it, then activate it.
- You will be shown a set of instructions on the device screen through which you can You will be able to calibrate eye tracking as part of the configuration.
- Follow the point to be displayed on the screen in the different directions shown.
- Please note that whenever you activate eye tracking it will be necessary to calibrate it.
How to use eye tracking?
Once this eye tracking option is activated on your device, a pointer on the screen will follow all your eye movements. As soon as the pointer detects that you are looking at a certain element on the screen, This will display an outline around said element.
However, if you keep your gaze fixed on a specific area of ​​the screen, a hover symbol will immediately appear there. You'll know the hover symbol is displayed when the pointer begins to fill. Once this hover symbol is full, a specific action will be performed, which by default is a tap.
What adjustments can you make?
This is an option that has several parameters that are fully adjustable to more easily adapt it to the needs of each user.
Some of the modifiable aspects are:
Smooth
Increase or decrease this value to make pointer movements smoother or to respond better and faster if you increase or decrease it respectively.
Jump to the nearest item
You can make the pointer automatically move to the nearest element you have focused your gaze on.
Zoom in on the keyboard
When you're using your device's keyboard, the section of the keyboard you're looking at will enlarge to make typing much easier. Once you've zoomed in on those specific areas of the keyboard, just keep your eye on a letter to press it.
Automatically hide the pointer
When your gaze remains fixed on a specific point on the screen , the pointer will appear on it, but as soon as you make any movements, it will disappear.
What can you do with the eye tracking feature?
This new feature will undoubtedly be a great help to many Apple users who experience limitations that prevent them from navigating normally on their iOS devices. Here are some examples of what you can do with it:
- Navigate in a more fluid way for all the menus and applications that you have installed on your mobile.
- Perform additional gestures that will allow you to access a menu similar to AssistiveTouch. For example, you can access the control center, navigate through the various screens, and perform all kinds of horizontal and vertical movements, without having to touch the iPhone screen.
- Perform all kinds of automatic actions with stay control, an especially useful option for those who require a higher level of accessibility on their devices.
These are just some of the most practical features you can use with this functionality. Remember that as you explore your own needs, you'll be able to further customize eye tracking to facilitate your interaction with the device and make your experience more enjoyable, fluid, and effective.
And that's all for today! Let us know in the comments how similar these tips are to controlling your iPhone or iPad with your eyes using iOS 18. This new Apple feature will be a great help to millions of users who need it. Tell us, how could you use it?