In a groundbreaking move, Apple has introduced eye tracking navigation as part of its latest iOS 18 update, revolutionizing the way users interact with their iPhones. This innovative feature not only enhances accessibility but also offers practical benefits for everyday use.
A New Era of Hands-Free Navigation
The eye tracking feature, available on iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone 12 or later models, allows users to navigate their device's screen simply by looking at it. This technology utilizes the front-facing camera and the device's Neural Processing Unit to track eye movements, all while keeping user data secure by processing information locally.
How It Works
To activate eye tracking:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Eye Tracking
- Toggle the feature on
- Follow the on-screen calibration process
Once activated, users will notice outlines appearing around items they look at on the screen. To select an item, users need to hold their gaze for about 1.5 seconds.
Customization and Fine-Tuning
iOS 18 offers several options to customize the eye tracking experience:
- Adjust gaze duration for selection
- Increase or decrease pointer smoothing
- Enable snap to item for improved accuracy
- Turn on auto-hide for the pointer
- Zoom in on keyboard keys for easier typing
Beyond Accessibility
While this feature is a significant step forward for accessibility, its applications extend to everyday scenarios. Imagine scrolling through a recipe while cooking, without having to touch your device with messy hands.
Privacy and Security
Apple emphasizes that all computations for eye tracking are performed on the device, ensuring user privacy by not sending data externally.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of user interaction, the introduction of eye tracking navigation in iOS 18 marks a significant milestone in making technology more intuitive and accessible for all users.