Apple introduces eye tracking to iPhones, sets release for iOS 18

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 will allow 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 all iPadOS and iOS apps and does not require additional hardware or accessories. With eye tracking, users can navigate app elements and use Dwell Control to activate any 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 the security of data collected using the eye tracking technology. It wrote: "Designed with users with physical disabilities in mind, eye tracking uses the front camera for setup and calibration within seconds, and with machine learning, all data used for configuring and controlling this feature is securely stored on the device and is not 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 are intended to 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.