How can I access Distraction Control in Safari?

Distraction Control is accessible via the Page Menu interface in Safari, where users will find a new option labeled “Hide Distracting Items.”

How does Distraction Control work?

Users will be prompted to select different elements on a webpage that they feel are distracting. The selected items will be hidden from view.

Will Distraction Control permanently remove ads from web pages?

No, Distraction Control is not meant to serve as an ad blocker. Hidden items like ads will reappear when the page is refreshed or reloaded.

Can I unhide items that I have previously hidden using Distraction Control?

Yes, users can unhide items by clicking back into the Page Menu interface in Safari and choosing “Show Hidden Items.”

What happens to pop-ups like GDPR banners when using Distraction Control?

Distraction Control behaves in the same way as manually dismissing pop-ups, meaning it will not act as an “Accept” or “Decline” button for cookies requests.

When will Distraction Control be available to the public?

The feature is rolling out to registered developer beta testers today, with a public beta expected later this month and a general release next month.

Does Distraction Control work with all types of content on web pages?

Distraction Control allows users to hide any manually selected elements on a webpage, including sign-in popups and content overlays, but does not hide content automatically.

How does Distraction Control compare to ad blockers?

Unlike ad blockers, Distraction Control does not permanently remove ads. It only hides selected elements temporarily and they will reappear upon page refresh.

Apple Unveils 'Distraction Control' Feature in Safari with iOS 18 Beta 5

Q: What is the Distraction Control feature in Safari?

Distraction Control is a new addition to Safari that allows users to manually hide distracting elements on web pages.

Q: Is Distraction Control available on all Apple devices?

Distraction Control is available in iOS 18 beta 5, iPadOS 18 beta 5, and macOS Sequoia beta 5.

'Distraction Control' Feature in Safari

Distraction Control in Safari

Apple’s latest iOS 18 beta 5 introduces a groundbreaking feature for Safari called Distraction Control, designed to enhance the browsing experience by minimizing interruptions. This new functionality aims to empower users with greater control over their web environment, making it easier to focus on content without being overwhelmed by distracting elements.

What is Distraction Control?

Distraction Control is a new addition to Safari that allows users to manually hide distracting elements on web pages. This feature can be accessed through the Page Menu interface, alongside options like Reader and Viewer. Users will find a new option labeled “Hide Distracting Items” which, when selected, enables them to choose specific elements on a webpage that they want to hide.

How to Use Distraction Control

To activate Distraction Control, users need to follow these steps:

Open Safari: Navigate to the desired web page.
Access Page Menu: Click on the Page Menu interface.
Select “Hide Distracting Items”: This will prompt users to identify elements on the page that they find distracting.
Manually Select Items: Users can click on items such as sign-in popups or content overlays to hide them.

This customization persists through page refreshes and reloads, provided the hidden elements remain the same. However, it's important to note that Distraction Control does not automatically hide any content; users must manually select each item to be hidden.

Distraction Control vs. Ad Blockers

While Distraction Control can be used to temporarily hide ads, it is not designed as an ad blocker. The feature does not permanently remove ads or other dynamic content that frequently changes. When a page is refreshed or reloaded, hidden items like ads will reappear. This distinction is highlighted by a pop-up notification when Distraction Control is first activated, emphasizing its role in managing distractions rather than serving as a permanent ad blocker.

Managing Pop-ups and Overlays

The feature functions similarly to manually dismissing pop-ups such as GDPR or cookies request banners. It does not act as an “Accept” or “Decline” button but instead hides the pop-up from view. If users wish to unhide any previously hidden items, they can return to the Page Menu interface and select “Show Hidden Items.”

Availability and Future Updates

Distraction Control is available in iOS 18 beta 5, iPadOS 18 beta 5, and macOS Sequoia beta 5. These updates are being rolled out to registered developer beta testers starting today. A public beta release is expected later this month, with a general release scheduled for the following month. Apple will likely provide additional details as the new betas are tested and refined.

Conclusion

Apple's new Distraction Control feature represents a significant step forward in web browsing technology, offering users a tailored experience that minimizes interruptions and enhances focus. By allowing users to customize their browsing environment, Apple continues to innovate and improve user experience across its platforms.

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