Enhance Your Browsing Experience with Safari’s New Distraction Control Feature!

Apple’s latest Safari update introduces a feature designed to improve user focus by minimizing distractions on websites. Named Distraction Control, this tool enables users to remove unwanted elements from a webpage, enhancing the browsing experience by allowing for a more customized view.

Introducing Distraction Control

The Distraction Control feature is available in the new developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It provides users with the ability to declutter web pages by removing specific elements that they find distracting. Users can access this feature through the Page Menu in the Smart Search field. By selecting the unwanted items on a webpage, Safari will remember these preferences and automatically hide them during future visits to the same site.

This feature is a significant step toward improving browser customization, similar to the Boosts feature introduced by Arc Browser last year. However, unlike Boosts, Safari’s Distraction Control does not currently sync across different devices, meaning users will need to set their preferences on each new device individually.

How It Works

To use Distraction Control, users simply click on the blue Hide icon in the search field and select the elements they wish to remove. If users decide to revert any changes, they can click on “Show hidden items” to restore the previously hidden elements. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor their browsing experience to their preferences while still having the option to bring back elements if needed.

However, there are limitations to this feature. For instance, Distraction Control will not remove advertisements or sections with frequently changing content, such as dynamic elements on social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter). This limitation contrasts with Arc Browser’s Boost tool, which successfully removed such dynamic sections in our tests last year.

Additional Features in iOS 18

Alongside Distraction Control, iOS 18 introduces other enhancements designed to improve user experience. The redesigned reader offers better listening and font control options, making content consumption more accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, the new Highlights feature surfaces important information from web pages, including quick links for driving directions, call information, and summaries of TV show reviews.

Looking Ahead

Apple’s focus on enhancing Safari with features like Distraction Control underscores its commitment to improving user experience by minimizing distractions and offering greater customization. As the feature continues to develop and potentially sync across devices in the future, it promises to further refine the browsing experience for Safari users.

Stay tuned for more updates on Safari’s features and how they can enhance your online browsing experience. With ongoing improvements and new tools, Safari is set to become an even more powerful tool for managing your digital environment.

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