iPhone owners left frustrated by ‘genius’ new feature – how to switch it off for good

IPHONE owners are growing frustrated with a new iOS 17 feature that is designed to save users’ eyesight.

Apple’s Screen Distance feature alerts iPhone owners when their device is being held too close to the face.

Apple

Not every new feature in iOS 17 is a winner for every iPhone user[/caption]

It uses the facial recognition camera to gauge whether iPhone users are risking their long-term eye health while using the handset.

When you hold your iPhone or iPad screen too close to your face, Screen Distance will cover the screen with an alert, preventing you from continuing.

To remove the alert, you must move your iPhone away more than 30 cm (12 inches) from your face and tap Continue.

“The minimum screen distance warning on #iOS17 is my new fav feature,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I used to think I held my phone at a safe distance from my eyes but three warnings in less than two hours have changed that belief.”

It’s supposed to be helpful.

But some users quickly got frustrated with the feature, likening to a punishment more than a reminder.

“Turned on this screen distance feature & it is 100% annoying,” another user tweeted.

A third wrote: “@Apple great idea for screen distance but moronic implementation.

“Why make it persistent and requiring a tap that adds needless time and effort.

“It’s a reminder not a punishment. Morons.”

How to turn off Screen Distance

Not every new feature in iOS 17 is a winner for every iPhone user.

To switch Screen Distance off, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Screen Distance, then turn Screen Distance on or off

It’s important to note: Each time your child updates a device signed in with their Apple ID for the first time, Screen Distance will be turned back on for all of their devices.

---

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk

---