Apple's Screen Distance: The Hidden iOS Feature That Could Save Your Vision

· 4 min read

iOS 17 quietly added one of Apple’s most meaningful wellness features: Screen Distance. If you (or your kids) tend to hold an iPhone or iPad inches from your face, this setting gives you a gentle, full‑screen reminder to move the device farther away. Over time, those nudges help protect your eyes and build better habits — without nagging or complex rules.

What Screen Distance does (and how it works)

Screen Distance uses the front-facing TrueDepth camera to estimate how close your face is to the display. When you hold the device closer than about 12 inches (30 cm) for an extended period, iOS shows a friendly prompt: Too Close. Move your iPhone farther away. The detection runs on‑device for privacy and doesn’t capture or save images.

For families, this is especially useful: kids naturally drift closer to screens when reading, gaming, or watching videos. Screen Distance steps in with a clear, visual cue that resets the habit in real time.

Why close viewing is a problem

Spending long stretches focused at very near distances is linked to two issues:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness): The global prevalence of myopia has risen rapidly in recent decades, particularly among children. Public health researchers estimate that roughly half the world may be myopic by 2050 if trends continue. Near‑work intensity (lots of close-up viewing) and limited outdoor time are two frequently cited risk factors.
  • Eye strain and fatigue: Prolonged near focus demands sustained accommodation from the eye’s focusing system, which can lead to headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision — especially when paired with small text and high screen contrast.

The distance you hold your screen matters. A foot or more away reduces accommodative demand and can lower strain, while encouraging better posture and breathing. For kids, building this habit early supports healthier visual development.

How to turn it on

You can enable Screen Distance in under 10 seconds:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. Tap Screen Distance and toggle it on.

Notes:

  • Works on most recent iPhone and iPad models with a TrueDepth camera (Face ID).
  • Prompts appear only when you’re actually too close for a bit — not for quick glances.
  • Everything runs on‑device; no photos or distance data are stored.

Stats parents should know

  • Myopia is trending up worldwide, with some regions reporting steep increases among school‑age children over the past 10–20 years.
  • Near‑work and low outdoor time are consistently associated with higher myopia risk; regular daylight exposure appears protective.
  • Practical takeaway: Encourage kids to read and watch from at least 12–16 inches away and spend time outdoors daily when possible.

Practical tips for healthy screen distance

  • Use anchors: Rest your forearms on a desk or table as you hold your phone; this naturally sets the screen farther away than hovering in midair.
  • Increase text size: A slightly larger font reduces the impulse to lean in. On iOS, go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size (or add the Text Size control to Control Center).
  • Mind posture: Prop tablets on a stand at eye level during homework or reading sessions.
  • Take distance breaks: Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Read on bigger screens when possible: For long sessions, prefer an iPad or e‑reader over a small phone display.
  • Pair with outdoor time: Even 60–120 minutes of daylight exposure spread through the day is associated with healthier visual outcomes in children.

Complementary iOS features that reduce strain

  • Night Shift: Warms screen color in the evening, reducing blue‑heavy light that can disrupt sleep and feel harsh at night. Settings > Display & Brightness > Night Shift.
  • True Tone: Automatically matches display color to ambient light for a gentler viewing experience.
  • Dark Mode and Reduce White Point: Lower overall luminance and peak intensity, which can ease glare in dim environments. Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size.
  • Auto‑Lock: Shorter auto‑lock times trim unnecessary staring at bright, static screens.

How this connects to FlowIn

FlowIn helps you create healthier relationships with screens by managing when and how you use them. Apple’s Screen Distance is a perfect companion: it guides the how (keep the device at a healthy distance), while FlowIn guides the when (use the device with intention).

With FlowIn, you can:

  • Schedule quiet blocks that limit distracting apps while you work or study.
  • Use gentle nudges and app blocks to curb doomscrolling at night.
  • Review time patterns so you can shift usage toward what matters.

Bottom line and next steps

If you or your kids spend a lot of time on iPhone or iPad, turning on Screen Distance is a small switch with outsized benefits. It helps prevent the “nose‑to‑screen” habit that contributes to eye strain and rising myopia risk — and it does it with quick, respectful prompts.

Turn it on today: Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance. Then pair it with FlowIn to set healthy limits, protect focus, and keep evenings calm. Your eyes — and your future self — will thank you.

Ready to take control of your screen time?

Download FlowIn from App Store