Millions of iPhone users warned to follow new '12 inch' rule

iPhone users have been warned to follow a '12 inch' rule and a setting that'll protect your health. Apple iPhone users have admitted the setting is "very annoying" but they "love it" - and turning it on in Settings couldn't be more simple.

The feature is called Screen Distance and it will warn you when you're holding your iPhone too close to your face for too long. "Viewing a device (or a book) too closely for an extended period of time can increase the risk of myopia for younger users and eyestrain for users of all ages," Apple warned.

The US tech giant went on: "The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera (on supported models) to detect when you hold iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away."

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Apple added: "Screen Distance can remind younger users to engage in healthy viewing habits that can lower their risk of myopia." The tech company continued, saying: "It gives adult users the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain."

It explains on its website: "When you hold your iPhone or iPad screen too close to your face, Screen Distance will cover the screen with an alert, preventing you from continuing. To remove the alert, you can move your iPhone or iPad to a distance greater than 30 cm (12 inches) from your face, and tap Continue."

Screen Distance is only available on devices with a TrueDepth camera, the same camera used for Face ID, updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later. Each time your child updates a device signed in with their Apple ID to iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 or macOS Sonoma for the first time, Screen Distance will be turned back on for all of their devices.

To turn it on, go to Settings > Screen Time > Screen Distance.