Explained: Focus mode on iPhone, what it means for users – Times of India

iOS 15 is here and brings a slew of new features to iPhones. One of the standout features is the Focus mode, which is designed to ‘reduce’ the use of iPhones. Or at least limit to really essential work. It’s quite remarkable how much Apple has worked on a feature that when used extensively actually reduces your iPhone usage. We explain here the Focus mode and what it means for users.
What is Focus mode?
Simply put, Focus mode is an enhanced version of the good old Do Not Disturb feature. Apple, however, has taken a really deep dive into it and paid real attention to detail. What Focus mode does is that it allows iPhone users to set filters to notifications, calls, and even messages. Users can get alerts exactly how and when they need them at particular times.
You will find an auto-reply feature as well which can automatically send messages when you don’t want to use the iPhone. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently said that “we don’t want people using their phones all the time. This has never been an objective for us.” Focus mode ensures that people don’t use their iPhones all the time. Come to think of it, Focus mode really ensures that the iPhone is used only when it is really needed. Apple has given a few presets which can set up Focus mode that makes you look less at your iPhone.
You can customise home screens with Focus mode
With the Focus mode on, there’s an option to customise the home screen as well. Users can only see what’s important to them and not get distracted by other apps in one way or form. You can set a custom home screen for personal use — messaging apps, or streaming apps and only those will be visible. If you want a custom home screen for work, then you can tweak the screen to show email apps or video call apps only. It is designed to reduce the temptation to wander off in other apps and takes the meaning of the word ‘focus’ quite literally.
Timers are your best friend in Focus mode
One can silence all notifications for a certain time of the day by activating Focus mode at that particular time. The feature comes in handy if you want to avoid looking at your phone, once you are done with the day or taking an afternoon siesta.
A totally new take on Do Not Disturb
There is a Do Not Disturb mode inside Focus mode. Activating this feature will allow only certain contacts or apps whose notifications you can use. With this, you can also choose to dim the lock screen and hide all notifications if you want.
One mode to rule’em all
The importance of the coveted Apple ecosystem really shines through in the Focus mode. It seamlessly synchronises between all Apple devices. If you activate it on your iPhone and if you have an iPad, or Apple Watch, then it automatically applies to all of them. This ensures that notifications don’t come on any Apple device.
The auto-reply feature
If you have the Focus mode activated and you receive a message, then there’s the auto-reply feature. You can toggle it on so that your contact gets an automatic message stating that notifications on your phone have been silenced and that you are busy.
How to set up Focus mode?
We did a detailed guide on how to set up Focus mode and on how to set up certain features on it. You can read all about it here.