iPhone’s New Feature Aims to Reduce Carsickness While Reading

Recent developments in smartphone technology may help alleviate a common problem for many travelers: carsickness. Apple has introduced a feature known as Vehicle Motion Cues, designed to assist users who struggle with motion sickness while reading in moving vehicles. By overlaying visual cues on the screen, this feature aims to provide a more stable visual experience that aligns with the body’s sense of motion.

Understanding Carsickness

To grasp how this feature works, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes of carsickness. Two primary theories explain motion sickness: the postural instability theory and the sensory conflict theory. The sensory conflict theory, which is most relevant to Apple’s innovation, posits that motion sickness occurs when there is a discrepancy between what the eyes see and what the inner ear senses. This theory is supported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which explains that motion sickness arises when visual input contradicts the vestibular system’s signals.

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. It uses a fluid called endolymph that moves in response to body movements. When in a moving vehicle, if a passenger looks down at a book or phone, their inner ear senses motion, but their eyes do not see the same movement, leading to a sensory conflict that can result in nausea.

How Vehicle Motion Cues Works

Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues feature can be found in the System Preferences menu under Accessibility. When activated, it displays moving circles on either side of the screen, which mimic the vehicle’s motion. For instance, when the car accelerates or turns, these circles move in a way that corresponds to the external environment, providing a visual representation of motion. This alignment between visual cues and physical movement aims to reduce the sensory conflict that causes discomfort.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Salzburg in 2019 explored similar concepts using an Android app that displayed moving bubbles on the screen. Participants reported a decrease in feelings of motion sickness, suggesting that visual cues could effectively mitigate this issue. Although Apple has not released specific studies regarding the effectiveness of its feature, anecdotal evidence from users indicates that many have experienced improvements.

While the feature has been available for about a year, its impact on individual experiences may vary. Some users have reported significant relief from carsickness when using Vehicle Motion Cues, while others have not found it as effective. It is suggested that those who frequently suffer from carsickness might consider activating this feature when traveling. By enabling it only while in a moving vehicle, users can test its effectiveness without it being a distraction during other activities.

For those who experience carsickness, traditional recommendations include focusing on distant objects, avoiding reading, and ensuring that one is not traveling on an empty stomach. Incorporating the Vehicle Motion Cues feature may provide an additional strategy to manage carsickness for those who wish to read while on the road.

As technology continues to evolve, features like Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues highlight the potential for innovative solutions to everyday problems. Travelers looking to enhance their reading experience in vehicles may find this tool worth exploring.