New iOS 18 update lets you control the screen with your eyes

Ellen Jenne
·3-min read
The Apple iOS 18 logo
-Credit: (Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/Getty)


Apple users have been left divided over a new feature in a new iOS 18 software update. Apple previewed the changes earlier this week at a conference in California, United States.

The conference included a sneak peek at the changes to customisation, photo changes and iMessage text effects. It also revealed some new privacy measures to 'give more power to users'.

The iOS 18 update is due to roll out later this year. According to Apple, its new ‘Eye Tracking’ feature will form part of the software’s ‘accessibility’. It is a built-in option for users who want to navigate their phones using just their eyes.

Testing out a demo version of the update, radio hosts Kyle and Jackie O tried out the new ‘Eye Tracking feature’. In a video uploaded to the radio DJs’ TikTok page, the pair were left baffled by the discovery.

“Guys, this is mental!” Jackie said. The show’s director Bruno Bouchet explained he’d already downloaded the beta version and already used the feature.

He said: “I’ve been using the Eye Tracking feature, which instead of like, using your fingers like a commoner to use your phone, you just use your eyeballs.”

Bruno then tested it out on camera, where a black dot appeared on his phone screen to indicate where his eyes were looking. To open an app, all you have to do is blink.

The TikTok has been viewed 2.3million times. While Kyle and Jackie appeared ecstatic by the technological advances, others were split on the update.

Enza said: “What people seem to be ignoring is that this update confirms your camera is always on.” Alban wrote: “This feature will be the worst thing to damage eyes.”

Woman with red hair looking on screen of her mobile phone.
Apple's new Accessibility feature allows users to control their iPhones using just their eyes -Credit:Getty Images

Skidy71 commented: “Did anybody think maybe your phone could be watching, hearing and tracking you with back ground software? Ever thought why they need data centers?”

However, others appeared impressed. Van Geldrop said: “Using this to scroll through tiktok.”

Tins agreed: “Another level of laziness for scrolling thru TikTok.. love it.” Markwarnus said: “I work with quadriplegics and this feature gives so much life to those patients.”

Some even argued the update wasn’t that impressive, with Android devices implementing the same feature a number of years ago. TikTioksupportz said: “Android had this years ago.” Ronn3154 claimed: “It’s an old feature from android back in 2020.” DawkinsPlays commented: “Samsung did this about 10 years ago.”

Other accessibility updates include Music Haptics, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music using the Taptic Engine in iPhone; and Vocal Shortcuts that enable users to perform tasks by making a custom sound. These are just a small number of additions to the new iOS 18 update.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering, said: “We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customisation and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages. There are so many benefits for everyone.

“This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core. We can’t wait for users to experience it.”

iOS 18 will be available this autumn as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later. The developer beta of iOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com

An Apple spokesperson said: "You can find more information on Eye Tracking, which was announced in May, here."

To read more about what to expect, visit here.

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