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Apple Wants to Help You Focus With iOS 15

New Focus features can help you control relevant contacts and notifications

By Rob Rich Rob Rich News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 7, 2021 04:23PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple has just revealed Focus for iOS 15, which will give you added control over your notifications and contacts throughout the course of your day. The new Focus feature is a sort of evolution of Apple's Do Not Disturb mode. While you can still make use of Do Not Disturb, Focus will give you more nuanced control. For example, if you attempt to send a message to someone who has Do Not Disturb enabled, you'll be informed of it. If you think the message is important, you then have the option to send it through. Image: Apple. Apple Beyond text notifications, Focus also will allow you to create and schedule your own custom Do Not Disturb options multiple times throughout the day. One possible scenario would give you the ability to only receive alerts and messages from people and apps that are relevant to your job during work hours. Another would let you block out all non-emergency contact from work, but allow friends and family through, in order to focus on socializing and leisure time. These settings can then be scheduled and repeated so that they enable and disable themselves at the relevant times. You'll also have the option of having Focus generating Do Not Disturb criteria for you. The feature will use information such as your device's location, the time of day, and your own habits to make suggestions for who/what to turn off and when. Presumably, you also could allow Focus to automatically generate an option set, then go in and make edits, if needed. Focus will release as part of iOS 15 in the fall. See all the coverage of WWDC 2021 here. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Does Do Not Disturb Do? How to Turn Off Driving Mode on iPhone How to Set Up and Use Focus Mode on iPhone and Apple Watch How to Turn Off Do Not Disturb on Android How to Get Alerts for New Replies in a Thread with iOS Mail The History of iOS, from Version 1.0 to 16.0 iOS 15: Release Date, Features, and Supported Devices How to Use Samsung's Do Not Disturb Mode iPhone Focus Mode: What It Is and How to Use It iOS 16: News, Price, Release Date, and Features The 15 Best Hidden Features in iOS 16 The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know How to Schedule a Text Message on an iPhone How to Fix Not Getting Text Notifications on iPhone How to Use Do Not Disturb on iPad How to Use Account Recovery on iOS 15 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies