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Apple has released the fifth beta update of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, and it includes a Distraction Control feature for Safari.
A few months ago, there were reports that Apple was testing a Web Eraser tool to remove banner ads, images, text, or other specific parts of a webpage. This feature was expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2024 and included in the first beta updates for iOS 18.
However, this feature faced significant backlash from online publishers, who viewed it as an ad blocker. A group of French publishing associations even sent a letter to Tim Cook highlighting the potential negative impact on online publications.
As a result of the backlash, Apple decided to delay this feature, and now that it’s been released, it has distanced itself from the negative connotations surrounding the Web Eraser tool. Not only has Apple renamed the feature Distraction Control, but it also shows a pop-up message on first use to inform you that this feature doesn’t block ads. This approach is understandable, as Apple wants this feature to be advertised as one that only removes unwanted elements from a webpage.
In addition to renaming the feature and displaying the pop-up, Apple is also giving you the direct option to report any issues with the Distraction Control feature.
How to Use the Distraction Control Feature in Safari
To use the Distraction Control feature, access the Page Menu and choose “Hide Distracting Items.” Then, select the area of the webpage that you find distracting and want to hide. Afterward, tap “Hide” and “Done” in the top-right corner.
The best use case for this feature is getting rid of annoying pop-ups that appear on different web pages. You can also use it to hide a cookie banner or GDPR notice. One thing you need to be aware of is that using this feature on either of these pop-ups is the same as closing the banner without selecting the “Accept” or “Decline” option.
Yes, you can also use it to hide ads on a webpage, but it will only work temporarily. This means that whenever the ad refreshes, or you reload the webpage, the ad will reappear. In addition to ads, the feature will have the same functionality on all the other elements on a webpage that change regularly.
Also, the settings are device-specific and won’t sync across devices. If you’ve used this feature on a webpage on your iPhone, it won’t affect the same webpage on your MacBook. You’ll have to hide website elements on each of your devices.
Lastly, when you want to see the items you’ve hidden again, access the Page Menu and choose “Show Hidden Items.” That said, the feature is currently available in the fifth developer beta of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It should be available to public beta testers later this month and for general release next month.
