New iPhones will feature eye‑tracking control in iOS 18 release

Apple has announced that the latest operating system version for iPhones and iPads will allow device control using eye movements. How does the Eye Tracking feature work, and when will it be available to users?

Apple, the manufacturer of iPhones and iPads, announced on May 15 a list of new features that will come with updating device operating systems to version iOS 18. The most impressive feature is eye tracking, which allows applications to be controlled using eye movements tracked by the devices' front cameras.

On the apple.com website, the tech giant wrote: "Eye Tracking works across iPadOS and iOS apps, and doesn’t require additional hardware or accessories. With Eye Tracking, users can navigate through the elements of an app and use Dwell Control to activate each element, accessing additional functions such as physical buttons, swipes, and other gestures solely with their eyes." It involves the camera recording how long our gaze stays (dwells) on a particular point on the screen.

An interesting aspect is the company’s use of Eye Tracking as a proprietary name. Eye-tracking technology has existed since the early 20th century when psychologists conducting attention studies created the first mechanical devices. Psychological and marketing studies on eye tracking over the computer screen have been undertaken since the 1980s. This method is used to determine, among other things, the best places to position ads on the screen.

Apple explained the project's intent and addressed potential concerns about data security collected using the Eye Tracking technology. It wrote: "Designed for users with physical disabilities, Eye Tracking uses the front-facing camera to set up and calibrate in seconds, and with on-device machine learning, all data used to set up and control this feature is kept securely on device, and isn’t shared with Apple."

Eye Tracking is not the only enhancement planned in iOS 18. For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Apple offers Music Haptics, a new way to experience music on the iPhone. Shortcuts will allow users to perform tasks by issuing personalized sounds. Motion Cues reduce motion sickness when using an iPhone or iPad in a moving vehicle. Apple will release iOS 18 shortly after the launch of iPhone 16 in September 2024.