How to Set Apple Devices to Automatically Dim Flashing Lights in Videos
Did you know that Apple offers an accessibility feature that dims flashing lights and addresses photo-sensitive epilepsy? An on-device algorithm analyzes supported video content in real-time, automatically dimming scenes with rapid flickering or intense stroboscopic effects.
This makes it easier for people prone to motion sickness and those with epilepsy to enjoy extreme action movies. Even if you personally don’t suffer from such conditions, you’re recommended to keep this safety setting enabled in order to safeguard your eyesight.
Follow along with our tutorial to learn how to turn on and use the Dim Flashing Lights accessibility feature on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
How to Dim Flashing Lights on an iPhone or iPad
To support this feature, your device must be running iOS 16.4 or iPadOS 16.4. So,make sure your iPhone or iPad is updatedand follow the steps below to use the Dim Flashing Lights accessibility feature:
With it toggled on, your device will automatically reduce screen brightness to dim harsh lighting and make it easier on your eyes.
How to Dim Flashing Lights on a Mac
The Dim Flashing Lights setting is also available on any Apple silicon Mac running macOS Ventura 13.3 or later. Go toApple menu > About This Macfrom the menu bar to view the current macOS version andfind if your Mac uses Intel or Apple silicon. Dim Flashing Lights is unsupported on Intel-based Macs.
Follow these simple instructions to enable Dim Flashing Lights in macOS:
Now, when viewing supported media likean Apple TV+ showor a QuickTime movie, your computer will process the footage in real-time and automatically modulate the display brightness during sections that can be blinding or result in temporarily disturbed vision.
Apple’s websitecautions that this feature “should not be relied upon for the treatment of any medical condition.”
How to Dim Flashing Lights on an Apple TV
Dim Flashing Lights works on all Apple TV 4K generations and the Apple TV HD running tvOS 16.4 or later. So, make sure your device is updated and follow these steps to enable Dim Flashing Lights in tvOS:
The device will not only dim bright flashes of light but also indicate video segments with a high risk of flashing lights and stroboscopic effects on the playback timeline.
Avoid Unpleasant Sensations Triggered by Flashing Lights
Dim Flashing Lights takes advantage of a real-time video analysis algorithm that runs on Apple’s Neural Engine coprocessor instead of the cloud, which is good for your privacy.
Apple’s APIs let third-party developers respond to this setting. An app might adapt its user interface or serve a separate piece of media without flickering lights. Likewise, a game may adjust its animations and visual effects to mitigate bright light flashes.
You’ve probably seen warnings about flashing lights at the beginning of some movies and TV shows. But with the Dim FLashing Lights setting, anyone susceptible to seizures, motion sickness, and flicker vertigo can enjoy a healthier video-watching experience on their Apple devices without worrying about seizures or other unpleasant sensations.
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