iOS 761: Screen Time Controls - Downtime, Communication Safety, & more
Jul 17, 2025
Dive into the world of iOS's Screen Time features, where managing digital habits becomes a breeze. Discover how the Screen Distance feature helps protect your eyes and track your app usage effectively. Learn about Downtime settings to optimize device access for healthier sleep schedules. Plus, explore innovative home automation ideas, including garage door interactions, and the multifunctional 8-BitDo microcontroller for gaming. Get ready for a tech-savvy experience that enhances your daily life!
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insights INSIGHT
Screen Distance Eye Safety Feature
Apple's Screen Distance feature alerts when a device is held too close to your face to reduce eye strain and myopia risks.
It uses Face ID to measure distance and can encourage better habits, especially helpful for children.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Downtime for Focus
Use Downtime to restrict app use to only essential ones during scheduled hours, preserving focus or sleep.
Always Allowed apps include emergency contacts and essential utilities like Phone, which can't be blocked.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Communication Limits Control Contacts
Set Communication Limits during Screen Time and Downtime to control who can contact or be contacted.
Limit calls and messages to specific contacts as per your preference for safety and privacy.
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This episode explores the comprehensive Screen Time system in iOS, covering everything from basic usage tracking to advanced restrictions and parental controls. The hosts also tackle a unique automation challenge involving motorcycles and garage doors, while sharing their latest app and gadget discoveries.
Screen Time Overview - Introduction to iOS's built-in digital wellness system that tracks usage across all Apple devices and syncs settings when enabled
Screen Distance Feature - New safety feature that alerts users when holding their iPhone or iPad too close to their face, helping prevent eye strain and myopia
App and Website Activity - Detailed tracking system that provides weekly reports and insights about screen usage patterns across all connected devices
Downtime Scheduling - Feature that restricts device access to only approved apps and phone calls during specified hours, perfect for sleep schedules
App Limits - Granular controls allowing users to set daily time limits for specific apps or entire categories like games or social media
Always Allowed Apps - Designated apps that remain accessible even during downtime, including emergency contacts and essential utilities
Communication Controls - Settings that manage who can contact the user during screen time restrictions and downtime periods
Communication Safety - Apple's new feature that automatically detects and warns about potentially inappropriate images before they're viewed
Content and Privacy Restrictions - Comprehensive parental controls covering app installations, purchases, web content, and various iOS features
Feedback
Motorcycle Garage Door Automation - Mike seeks help creating a shortcut to automatically open his garage door when arriving home on his motorcycle
App Caps
DailyArt App - Mikah recommends an award-winning app that showcases a different piece of artwork each day with detailed historical context and artist information
8BitDo Micro Controller - Rosemary features a tiny Bluetooth game controller that works with multiple devices and can be reprogrammed for various uses, including Procreate shortcuts
iOS Today (Audio)