Apple is taking another step in refining its Safari browser, introducing a feature called Distraction Control. This tool allows users to remove distracting elements from websites, offering a more streamlined and focused browsing experience.
The feature is currently available through new developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, signaling its potential arrival for the wider public in the near future.
The introduction of Distraction Control aligns with a trend in web browsing, where customization and user control are becoming increasingly important. Last year, the Arc Browser made headlines with its Boosts feature, which similarly allowed users to remove unwanted features from websites and further customize their appearance.
Apple’s adoption of a similar tool in Safari highlights the growing demand for these types of functionalities, as users seek to personalize their online experience and eliminate clutter that detracts from their browsing.
Distraction Control is accessible through the Page Menu in Safari’s Smart Search field. Once activated, users can select the specific elements on a website they wish to remove, whether it’s an intrusive sidebar, an annoying pop-up, or any other non-essential content. Safari will remember these choices, ensuring that the selected elements remain hidden during subsequent visits to the same site.
A notable limitation is that these preferences do not currently sync across different devices. This means that users will need to re-hide elements on each new device they use, which could be an inconvenience for those who frequently switch between devices.
If users want to view the hidden elements again, they can do so by clicking the blue Hide icon in the search field and selecting “Show hidden items.” This flexibility ensures that users are not permanently altering websites but are instead tailoring their browsing experience to their current needs and preferences.
One important caveat is that Apple has clarified that the Distraction Control feature will not remove advertisements or sections that feature frequently changing content. This raises questions about the tool’s effectiveness in removing certain types of dynamic elements that are common on many modern websites.
It remains unclear whether users will be able to remove sections like “Who to follow” or “Explore” on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), as these elements are static in their placement but dynamic in content. This could limit the feature’s utility for some users who are specifically looking to clean up their social media feeds or other content-heavy pages.
During testing last year, Arc Browser’s Boost tool was able to remove similar sections on various websites, setting a potential benchmark for what Safari’s Distraction Control might aspire to achieve. It remains to be seen whether Apple will refine this feature in future updates to allow for the removal of a broader range of elements, particularly those that are more dynamic.
Apple has also introduced other enhancements in iOS 18 that are designed to improve the overall browsing experience. A redesigned reader offers better listening and font controls, providing users with more options to customize how they consume content.
Apple has also launched a feature called Highlights, which surfaces important information from a page, such as quick links for driving directions, call information and summaries of TV show reviews. This feature is aimed at making it easier for users to find and interact with the most relevant content on a webpage.