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Apple's Safari gains 'Distraction Control' to streamline browsing

Apple introduces 'Distraction Control' in Safari in upcoming OS updates (Image source: Apple)
Apple introduces 'Distraction Control' in Safari in upcoming OS updates (Image source: Apple)
Apple's new 'Distraction Control' feature in Safari aims to help users minimize distracting elements on webpages, allowing them to selectively hide content like sign-in prompts, cookie consent banners, and autoplay videos. While not a full-fledged ad blocker, the tool provides users with more control over their browsing experience across Apple's upcoming operating system updates.

In the latest developer beta for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, Apple has introduced an intriguing feature for Safari known as ‘Distraction Control’. This handy tool aims to assist users in cutting down on the myriad distractions that often clutter webpages—think sign-in prompts, cookie consent notifications, those pesky newsletter signup banners, and autoplay videos that seem to pop up out of nowhere.

Distraction Control gives users the power to selectively hide certain static elements on a webpage simply by clicking on them. Unlike your typical ad blocker, this feature doesn’t permanently banish ads from existence; instead, it temporarily conceals them until the page undergoes a refresh, at which point those distractions may resurface. It’s also essential to understand that this tool can’t hide dynamic content that constantly shifts on a website.

To use Distraction Control, users can access the Page Menu in Safari and select the ‘Hide Distracting Items’ option. This enables them to target and hide specific elements on the current webpage. However, there’s a catch: these settings are device-specific and don’t sync across a user’s suite of Apple devices, meaning you’ll have to repeat the process on each one.

While Distraction Control is not intended to function as a full-fledged ad blocker, power users may find ways to leverage it for that purpose. Additionally, it’s quite useful for swiftly dismissing cookie consent popups without having to muddle through submitting any annoying preferences.

Safari’s upcoming updates will also feature a Highlights tool designed to quickly fetch relevant webpage information, a revamped Reader mode complete with a table of contents and summaries, and an enhanced video viewer that works diligently to minimize distractions.

Currently, Distraction Control is accessible in the fifth developer beta of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, with an official rollout for public beta testers just around the corner. The feature is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to provide users with enhanced control and customization options within their Safari browsing experience.

Source(s)

MacRumors (in English)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 08 > Apple's Safari gains 'Distraction Control' to streamline browsing
Nathan Ali, 2024-08- 6 (Update: 2024-08-15)