iPhone: How the focus function works

The update to iOS 16 for iPhones has been available since 12 September 2022 and with it came the new focus mode on all supported Apple devices. We have summarised the most important facts for you.

iPhone: Work more concentrated with the focus function

The focus function on the iPhone is designed to help you work more concentrated. It does this by blocking out distractions from other apps.

• With the focus mode, you can focus better on a specific task. After you activate the feature, the notifications you see will be limited. You can use a focus filter to decide which notifications you still want to receive and which you do not.
• Depending on the selected scenario, certain messages are not displayed at all or are displayed less prominently. You can activate a preset scenario or create your own to customise in detail which notifications are displayed and where.
• You can disable visual interruptions – such as pop-ups – mute certain notifications or view summaries of notifications received.
• Your contacts will be notified via the iMessages app that focus mode is active when you text them and that notifications for the Messenger app are restricted. They can then decide if it’s a particularly important matter and they want to break this rule.
• Since iOS 16, you can also create different lock screens, for example, to separate your private life from your professional life.

Enable focus mode

Open the “Settings” app and then select the “Focus” entry at the very bottom. When you configure the function for the first time, a small explanation will be displayed.

• By default, the four options “Work”, “Do not disturb”, “Sleep” and “Time for me” are available for selection. You can see exactly how these are configured in the app.
• You can also create your own modes by clicking on the plus icon. You can then adapt these individually to your needs.
• You can also activate a focus mode from the Control Centre. Long tap a mode to select the time for which it applies.
• If you want to associate a lock screen with a focus profile, long press and hold your finger on the active lock screen. Your wallpaper will reset and you will be shown different options. Tap on “Focus” and select the profile you want to link to.