Safari's New 'Thanos Snap' Feature Lets Users Vanish Annoying Web Elements
Apple is introducing a powerful new feature to Safari that will allow users to remove distracting elements from web pages with a satisfying Thanos snap effect. Dubbed Distraction Control, this tool is currently available in the latest beta versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
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| The Thanos snap effect in Safari removing ads and distractions from a webpage |
How It Works
The new feature can be accessed through the Safari address bar:
- Tap the Safari Address Bar icon
- Select Hide Distracting Items from the menu
- Tap on unwanted elements on the page
- Watch as they fade away, reminiscent of the iconic scene from Avengers: Infinity War
Users can remove multiple elements in succession and easily restore them by selecting Show Hidden Items from the same menu.
More Than Just Ad-Blocking
While Distraction Control can hide ads, it's designed to be a more versatile tool:
- Remove cookie consent popups
- Hide newsletter signup forms
- Disable autoplay videos
- Customize the browsing experience on a per-domain basis
It's important to note that this feature is not intended to be a full-fledged ad-blocker, as hidden ads will reappear upon page refresh.
Implications for Web Design
The introduction of Distraction Control could have far-reaching effects on web design practices:
- Encourage cleaner, more user-friendly layouts
- Spark discussions about balancing user experience with content monetization
- Potentially reduce reliance on third-party ad-blocking extensions
Availability and Future Development
Distraction Control is currently available in developer betas and will soon reach public beta testers. While it's expected to make it to the general release, features may change before the final version launches.
As Apple continues to refine this tool based on user feedback, it could set a new standard for built-in browser customization options across the industry.