Photo source: TunesKit
Apple is set to enhance its Safari browser with a new feature called Distraction Control, which aims to improve the browsing experience by allowing users to eliminate unwanted elements from web pages. This feature will be available with the launch of iOS 18 this autumn.
As part of the iOS 18 update, Apple is introducing several significant changes, including more customization for home screens, a revamped Control Center, RCS messaging support, and various generative AI features collectively known as Apple Intelligence.
One of the notable updates for Safari is Distraction Control, which enables users to manually hide distracting items on web pages, such as images, menus, or pop-ups. Unlike the Reader mode, which reformats pages to display only the main text and images, Distraction Control does not block ads permanently, and hidden items will reappear upon refreshing the page.
Apple has not extensively detailed how Distraction Control operates, as it was introduced quietly in one of the iOS 18 beta updates. The feature is also available on iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia, but it does not sync hidden items across devices.
When a user hides an element on a webpage, Safari remembers this preference for future visits. However, hiding certain elements might disrupt the functionality of some websites. Users can dismiss items like newsletter sign-up pop-ups or auto-playing videos, but they should be cautious, as hiding critical elements can affect site usability.
To activate Distraction Control, users need to manually select which items to hide. After loading a webpage, scroll to the section containing the elements you wish to remove. Tap the icon next to the address bar that resembles a rectangle over lines, then select “Hide Distracting Items.” Users can then tap on any element to hide it, and a counter will show how many items have been hidden.
If you want to restore hidden items, simply return to the same menu and select “Show Hidden Items.” The feature does not allow for selective un-hiding of individual elements as all previously hidden items will reappear at once.
Distraction Control is designed to improve the browsing experience by giving users the ability to tailor their web interactions, though it is not intended as a full-fledged ad blocker. While it can temporarily hide ads, they will reappear upon page refreshes, and it does not prevent dynamic content from showing up again during browsing sessions.
