Safari on iOS 18 is set to provide users with a refined web browsing experience. Apple has recently unveiled a new feature called ‘Distraction Control’ on the Safari browser, as reported by TechSpot. This feature allows users to eliminate distracting elements on websites, such as cookie reminder banners, pop-ups, subscribe prompts, and autoplay videos. It is currently in the testing phase in beta versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, and will soon be accessible to all users.
With this new feature, users can actively choose the elements they wish to hide on each website through the Page Menu in the Smart Search field of the Safari browser. The hidden elements will be stored and remain hidden on future visits, although this feature does not currently support synchronization across devices.
It’s important to note that while it can temporarily hide ads, Distraction Control is not intended to replace dedicated ad blockers, as the ad elements will reappear when the page is refreshed. Additionally, this feature does not work with frequently changing website elements and does not impact analytics or tracking scripts.
The introduction of this feature could potentially accelerate the trend of providing users with greater control over their web browsing experience, while also encouraging web designers and developers to create interfaces that are less distracting and more user-friendly.
However, the new feature also raises questions about the balance between user experience and revenue for websites that rely on advertising, which may become a controversial topic shortly.
Overall, Apple’s introduction of Distraction Control represents a significant step in enhancing the user experience on Safari. This feature promises to create a less distracting web browsing environment while also driving positive changes in the design and development of the web.