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This New iOS 18 Feature Lets You Control Your iPhone With Just Your Eyes—Feels Like Something Out of a Sci-Fi Movie

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Apple’s iOS 18 introduces a new way to control your iPhone, and it doesn’t require lifting a finger—literally.

The standout feature is “Eye Tracking,” which allows you to navigate the phone simply by looking at the screen.

Whether you rely on accessibility features or are just curious about trying something new, eye tracking could be a fun addition to your tech routine.

Getting started is pretty straightforward. After updating your iPhone iOS 18, head to the Settings app, tap Accessibility and find Eye Tracking under the Physical and Motor section.

ios 18 eye tracking

Once you’ve turned it on, you’ll need to follow the setup instructions, which include calibrating your gaze by tracking a colored circle on the screen.

From there, it’s as simple as looking at what you want to interact with and holding your gaze to select it. The first time it works, it feels a bit like magic.

Also: This new iOS 18 feature will let you text from literally anywhere—even without a wi-fi or cellular connection

I tried this feature when I was following a recipe, and it saved me from getting flour all over my phone as I moved between recipe steps.

It’s especially useful when you have messy hands or are multitasking. Focusing your gaze allows you to scroll, open apps, and even lock the phone.

What’s nice about Apple’s approach is that it’s customizable. If the 1.5-second dwell time is too slow or fast, you can adjust it in the settings.

Also: Apple just gave us the ultimate video recording feature in iOS 18—you’ll never shoot video the same way again

You can even integrate it with AssistiveTouch for added functionality like scrolling or returning to the Home screen.

While the feature is designed for accessibility, it’s also handy for anyone looking to experience a new way of interacting with their iPhone.

And don’t worry if the eye-tracking feature doesn’t feel quite right. You can always recalibrate or switch back to the old-school touchscreen anytime.

Do you see yourself using iOS 18’s eye-tracking feature in your everyday life?

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Writer, Productivity & Phone Organization

Lise is a master of phone organization and a nerd of the internet! She writes a regular column for Gotechtor focusing on quick tips for decluttering and organizing your iPhone to be more productive, while still keeping it aesthetic.

Lise Dieuveuil

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