Apple has introduced a software feature called Vehicle Motion Cues designed to reduce motion sickness while using an iPhone or iPad in a moving vehicle, according to Jalopnik. Announced as part of a new software rollout and a series of accessibility features, the system uses built-in motion sensors on supported devices to display animated dots along the edges of the screen, as reported by Gadgethacks and Mashable.
Apple Introduces Vehicle Motion Cues for iPhone and iPad
Motion sickness is frequently caused by a sensory conflict between what a person’s eyes perceive and what the body’s balance system or inner ear detects, such as when looking down at a stationary phone while a vehicle is in motion, as noted by supercarblondie.com and Gadgethacks. Apple explained that research shows motion sickness stems from a sensory conflict between sight and physical feeling, which can prevent users from comfortably using their devices in a moving vehicle, according to Mashable. Dr. Emily Thomas, a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in perceptual processing, explained to Jalopnik that looking down at a phone keeps vision constant while the body experiences travel motion, creating a sensation mismatch that confuses the body.
How Vehicle Motion Cues Work
Powered by the accelerometer and gyroscope in iPhones and iPads, the feature detects real-time vehicle movements and displays gentle peripheral animations using animated dots, according to Gadgethacks and BBC. When the vehicle turns right or left, or suddenly stops, the dots shift in response without interfering with the main content on the screen, as detailed by Jalopnik and Mashable. These nonintrusive visual cues give the eyes a visual signal that matches what the inner ear and body are sensing, helping users stay engaged with reading, watching videos, or checking emails while minimizing disorientation, as reported by Gadgethacks and bristolpost.co.uk.
Medical and vestibular experts have weighed in on the mechanism behind visual feedback. Kristen Steenerson, a clinical associate professor at Stanford University who studies the vestibular system, noted that giving the body signals demonstrating movement through space can mitigate motion sickness, and research has found visual feedback helpful, according to BBC.
Settings and Configuration Options
Users can configure Vehicle Motion Cues in three different modes, according to Gadgethacks:
- On: Keeps the feature active continuously, even when not in a moving vehicle.
- Automatic: Uses device motion sensors to detect when the user is inside a moving vehicle and displays cues automatically.
- Off: Disables the feature until turned back on.
The feature can be accessed and enabled through multiple navigation paths on supported devices, as outlined by Gadgethacks and bristolpost.co.uk:
- Settings: Navigate to Settings, select Accessibility, choose Motion, and locate Show Vehicle Motion Cues.
- Control Center: Open the Control Center and tap the Vehicle Motion Cues control (or add it via the Control Center editor if not already visible).
Reception and Practical Limitations
Public and expert reaction to Vehicle Motion Cues has been mixed in practice, according to supercarblondie.com and BBC. Freelance tech journalist Steven Aquino praised the feature to supercarblondie.com, calling it a prime example of accessibility truly being for everyone and noting that Apple is widely regarded as an industry leader in assistive technologies.
Transport and safety experts point out that screen-based settings are only one tool for managing travel discomfort. Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, noted in reporting by bristolpost.co.uk that while the setting can ease the mismatch during car, train, coach, or ferry journeys, physical remedies like regular breaks and fresh air remain important, alongside screen-free backups such as audiobooks or verbal games for children.
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