Apple recently released their new iOS 12 beta software, the software was made official at WWDC 2018 and it is coming later this year.
iOS 12 will bring a wide range of new features to the iPhone and other iOS devices, one of these is their new Screen Time feature.
As we can see from the video the new Screen Time feature give lots of information about how often you use your phone.
The feature also lets you know how often you get notifications, plus it lets you set limits on specific types of apps. It certainly looks like an interesting feature that is designed to help people manage how much time they spend on their device.
Detailed Insights and Usage Reports
Screen Time provides detailed insights and usage reports that break down how much time you spend on each app, how many times you pick up your phone, and how many notifications you receive. This data is presented in easy-to-read charts and graphs, allowing users to quickly understand their usage patterns. For example, you might discover that you spend an average of three hours a day on social media apps, or that you receive over 100 notifications daily. This level of detail can be eye-opening and help users make more informed decisions about their digital habits.
Setting App Limits and Downtime
One of the standout features of Screen Time is the ability to set app limits. Users can specify a daily time limit for specific apps or categories of apps, such as social media, games, or entertainment. Once the limit is reached, the app will be blocked, and a notification will appear, reminding the user that they have reached their allotted time. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to manage their children’s screen time or for individuals looking to reduce their own usage.
In addition to app limits, Screen Time also includes a Downtime feature. Downtime allows users to schedule a block of time during which only phone calls and apps that the user has specifically allowed will be accessible. This can be useful for ensuring that you are not distracted by your phone during important times, such as family dinners, work hours, or bedtime.
Family Sharing and Parental Controls
Screen Time is also integrated with Family Sharing, allowing parents to monitor and manage their children’s device usage. Parents can view their children’s activity reports, set app limits, and schedule Downtime remotely from their own devices. This provides a comprehensive set of tools for parents to help their children develop healthy digital habits.
For example, a parent might notice that their child is spending an excessive amount of time on gaming apps. Using Screen Time, the parent can set a daily limit for gaming apps and schedule Downtime during homework hours to ensure that the child is not distracted. Additionally, parents can use the Always Allowed feature to ensure that essential apps, such as educational tools or communication apps, are always accessible.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Apple has emphasized that all Screen Time data is stored locally on the user’s device and is not shared with Apple or third parties. This ensures that users’ privacy is protected while still providing valuable insights into their device usage. Users can also choose to share their Screen Time data with family members if they wish, but this is entirely optional.
Overall, the Screen Time feature in iOS 12 is a powerful tool for managing device usage and promoting healthier digital habits. Whether you are looking to reduce your own screen time, manage your children’s device usage, or simply gain a better understanding of your digital habits, Screen Time provides a comprehensive set of features to help you achieve your goals.
Source MacRumors
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