There's a new version of iOS -- the software that powers your iPhone or iPad -- and you'll want to take the plunge if you value good sleep.
Among the new features in iOS 9.3 is "Night Shift," which helps reduce the blue light that emanates from your device. Studies have shown that blue light can impact your melatonin levels and damage the overall quality of your sleep -- potentially leading to serious health problems down the line.
The best solution is to completely avoid using a screen before you go to sleep. But if you absolutely must be on your phone before turning the lights out, Night Shift will "automatically [shift] the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum" after sunset. That's supposed to help you get to sleep.
The update is available as of Monday to all iOS users.
Here's how to get it:
- Open your "Settings" app.
- Tap "General."
- Then tap "Software Update."
Assuming your device is up to date, you'll be given the option to "Download and Install" iOS 9.3. If you haven't updated in a while, you might have to go through the process a couple of times.
Downloading and installing the update will take a bit of time, so you shouldn't do it if you're expecting an important call or text message. Once it's all done, you'll be able to manually toggle Night Shift or set it up to automatically boot up at night.
To do that, swipe up from the bottom of your screen and tap that new "moon" icon, seen below:
If you use a computer in the evening, you should also look into F.lux -- an all-time favorite program that does a similar thing to your desktop screen at night.
More from Apple’s event:
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.