New Apple tools to limit screen time, and stop Facebook tracking, revealed at developers’ conference

Digital tool ‘Screen Time’ in Apple’s iOS 12 will show how long you spend on each iPhone app and let you set daily limits, while its web browser Safari will get security upgrades to stop users being tracked by other companies

Reading Time:3 minutes

Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference took place at the San Jose Convention Centre in San Jose, California, this week. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 3:15pm, 5 Jun 2018Updated: 3:33pm, 5 Jun 2018

Apple spoiled consumers and tech press at last year’s Apple Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) with the surprise launch of a new iPad, but 2018’s event went back to what it has always been about: software updates for developers, which in turn lead to superior apps and user experience for consumers.

Here are the most important updates coming to your iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches this autumn.

Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering Craig Federighi speaks during the 2018 conference in San Jose, California. Photo: AFP

iOS 12

If there is a theme for this year’s WWDC, it is Apple’s continued focus on health – both physical and mental. Two key features of its iOS 12 operating system are designed to help you interact with your device less.

The first is “Screen Time”, an app that offers in-depth analysis of your iPhone and/or iPad usage. With it, you’ll be able to see how much time you spend on your device on both a macro (overall use) and micro level (time spent in each app).