Before Apple’s new iOS 15 software update was released, I had always assumed that the only way I could truly get myself to focus on a task involved keeping my iPhone as far out of my reach as possible. When my iPhone updated to the latest software overnight, however, I was shocked to find out how efficient and comprehensive the new Focus Mode actually is. As someone who has been clinically diagnosed with attention difficulties, the iPhone’s Focus Mode has become an essential tool that assists me in getting tasks done.
If you’re familiar with Apple’s original “do not disturb” feature, you’ll notice that the new focus software builds generously upon it. However, the new focus setting allows what seems to be limitless opportunities for customization. From allowing only certain apps to send you notifications while working, to scheduling the automatic activation of specific focus settings based on a scheduled time or location, the new iOS focus feature has thought of everything when it comes to productivity. Whether it was writing, reading, or working out, here’s how I used Focus Mode to stay on task.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Easy-Access Drop Down Menu
Just like the previous Do Not Disturb feature, Apple’s new Focus Mode setting can be easily accessed by pulling down the Control Center from the top right corner of your screen. While you can only add new categories through the settings app, the Control Center offers a long list of all your unique focus modes.
From this menu you can easily turn mode on or off by simply tapping on it. The three dots on the right of each category brings you directly to the settings app in which you can further customize your current focus categories, or create new ones.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Settings for Mindfulness
Although I often want to start my day with a mindfulness meditation or yoga session, I usually get too distracted by my screen when attempting to do so. However, with this new focus software, I can program unique settings specifically for what I need (or don’t need) when practicing mindfulness first thing in the morning. I also love that I can set it to turn on and off at the same time each day.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Stay Focused for Fitness
Whenever I go to the gym to exercise, I often find myself getting distracted by other apps on my phone that have nothing to do with my workout. Luckily, Focus Mode allows me to set a customized plan with specified apps and contacts I would need to accomplish my physical fitness goals. What’s even better is that I get to customize it so that it turns on automatically as soon as I get to the gym.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Writing Necessities
As a writer by trade, many of the productivity goals I set out to accomplish on any given day involve putting my thoughts into words eloquently and efficiently. One of the things I love about the new iOS focus feature is that it allows you to create custom categories aside from the ones that Apple provides.
To help me stay on task and combat my writer’s block, I created a “Writing” focus setting. In this specific setting, only certain apps are available for use when I’m writing, and all push notifications are temporarily removed from my home screen. It has helped me more than I could have ever anticipated.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Reading
Like the automatic location activation described under the Fitness tab, Apple’s new iOS focus feature allows you to set it to turn on whenever you open a specific app. This has been especially useful when using my phone to read my favorite e-books without any distractions. My “Reading” focus setting – in which only the Books app is available for use – activates automatically whenever I open the app, allowing me to dive into a book with ease.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Sleep Settings
The Sleep focus setting may be a pre-generated category that Apple provides in the new software update, however, it is completely customizable to suit your needs. For example, I currently have my sleep focus preferences set to activate at a specific time each night until a certain time every morning when I know I’ll be ready to start my day.
POPSUGAR Photography / Ashley Ortiz
Automatic Activation
One of the best features of the new focus software is how easy it is to activate and share your focus settings across various Apple devices. For example, you can program the Mindfulness focus setting to turn on automatically whenever you begin a session in the Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch. Additionally, when a focus setting is activated on one device such as your phone, you can program it to activate the same restrictions or allowances across any other device connected to your iCloud account.
