Motion Sickness Relief: iOS 18’s Vehicle Motion Cues Feature Eases Travel Discomfort

For those who experience motion sickness while travelling, Apple's latest iOS 18 introduces a helpful feature called Vehicle Motion Cues. The feature aims to alleviate discomfort by using subtle visual effects on the screen, triggered when the device detects motion. This addition is part of Apple’s broader accessibility improvements, which were first announced in May 2024, and are now available for users.

Motion sickness can often result from a mismatch between what the eyes see and what the body feels, a phenomenon that many users face when using their devices in a moving car, train, or other vehicles. This sensory conflict can make it uncomfortable to interact with an iPhone or iPad during travel. Apple's Vehicle Motion Cues help minimize this issue by introducing visual signals—small animated dots that appear around the edges of the screen—designed to represent changes in vehicle movement. These cues aim to reduce the mismatch between the user’s visual and physical senses, providing a smoother experience.

The Vehicle Motion Cues feature works by utilizing sensors already built into iPhones and iPads. As the device recognizes that the user is in a moving vehicle, it activates the animated visual cues that correspond to vehicle motions such as turning, acceleration, or deceleration. This can be especially useful for users who frequently experience nausea or discomfort when using their devices while travelling.

To activate Vehicle Motion Cues, follow these steps:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Scroll down and tap on Accessibility.
Under the Motion section, you’ll find the option to toggle Show Vehicle Motion Cues. Switch it on to enable this feature.

Once activated, you will notice subtle shifts in the display when your vehicle turns or moves, such as a slight tilt or gentle rotation of the screen’s visuals. These cues are carefully designed to blend with the main content, ensuring that they do not interfere with your interaction with the device.

While Vehicle Motion Cues can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by motion sickness, it’s important to note that it may not eliminate it entirely. However, users have found it to be a valuable addition that makes using iPhones and iPads during travel far more bearable.

The Vehicle Motion Cues feature is part of a larger set of accessibility improvements introduced with iOS 18. These improvements reflect Apple's ongoing commitment to making its devices more user-friendly, particularly for those who may have specific needs, such as reducing motion sickness or enhancing visual and auditory experiences.

For users who frequently travel, this new feature may prove invaluable. Whether you're commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or travelling by train, the subtle cues provided by the device can help reduce the sensory overload that often triggers motion sickness. By combining visual cues with real-time vehicle movement, Apple has created an innovative solution to a common problem faced by many users.

ALSO READ| Axis MF Introduces Nifty500 Value 50 Index Fund: A New Passive Investment Strategy for Long-Term Investors

As the technology continues to evolve, Apple’s focus on accessibility ensures that its products can meet the needs of a wide variety of users. iOS 18's Vehicle Motion Cues are just one example of how thoughtful design can make a difference in day-to-day life, particularly for those prone to travel discomfort.

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Apple’s features may evolve, and it is recommended to refer to the official documentation for the latest updates. Results may vary based on individual sensitivities.]