The recent release of iOS 18 has sparked significant discussion, thanks in part to its exciting new features. One such feature, eye tracking, has been gaining traction on social media, particularly TikTok, with users showcasing its capabilities. You might have already seen reviews of this feature circulating online.
Eye tracking is essentially an accessibility feature designed to make using your iPhone more manageable. It allows you to navigate the iPhone screen using your eyes, eliminating the need for finger swipes. This innovative functionality has drawn considerable attention, making it a standout aspect of iOS 18.
However, eye tracking is not universally available across all iPhone models. This naturally begs the question: Can iPhone 11 users enjoy the benefits of eye tracking on iOS 18?
The answer, unfortunately, is no.
The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, is a model that has already seen several updates and remains compatible with iOS 18. However, not all iOS 18 features are accessible on older models. The eye tracking feature is one such exclusion, meaning iPhone 11 users are unable to access this capability. This limitation also applies to the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, making it a feature unavailable to the entire iPhone 11 series.
So, which iPhones can access this exciting new feature?
According to Apple's official website, eye tracking is exclusive to iPhone 12 series and newer models, including the iPhone SE 3rd generation. These users have the ability to scroll and navigate their iPhone using their eyes.
How does eye tracking work?
If you're intrigued and eager to try this new feature, here's a breakdown of how to activate and use eye tracking:
Enabling Eye Tracking:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Select "Accessibility".
Choose "Eye Tracking".
Enable the "Eye Tracking" option.
You'll be prompted to calibrate your eye movements by focusing on circles displayed on the screen. This ensures accurate tracking.
Navigating with Eye Tracking:
Once activated, a translucent circle will appear on your screen, acting as a cursor. This cursor will move in response to your eye movements.
To select an object on the screen (like a menu, app, or option), focus your gaze on it.
To scroll or swipe, utilize the "Dwell" virtual button, which functions similarly to Assistive Touch. Choose "Scroll" from the Dwell menu and select the desired direction (left, right, up, or down). Then direct your gaze to the part of the screen you want to scroll to. For example, if you want to scroll left, focus your gaze on the left side of the screen.
To return to the Home screen, go to the Dwell menu and choose "Home".
You can further customize Dwell settings in the "Assistive Touch" menu, determining the length of time you need to focus your gaze on an object for it to be selected.
Eye Tracking: A User Experience Perspective
While eye tracking offers a new and potentially innovative way to interact with your iPhone, our initial testing revealed some usability challenges. The accuracy of eye movement control is critical for seamless navigation. If your eye movements are not consistently precise, the cursor can become erratic, potentially leading to frustration.
In essence, this feature is exciting to experiment with but may not be a practical alternative for everyday iPhone usage, especially when it comes to speed and efficiency.
Final Thoughts
If you want to explore eye tracking in iOS 18, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest software version. For those who haven't upgraded yet, consider researching how to update your iPhone to iOS 18 and exploring its other new features.
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