Eye tracking is an AI feature that allows you to operate your device with your eyes as standard on an iPad or iPhone. Developed for users with physical disabilities, this feature can be configured and calibrated in seconds via the front camera.
Eye tracking works in iPadOS and iOS apps, without any additional hardware or accessories. With eye tracking you can navigate through the elements of an app and activate random elements with hold controls. This way you get access to extra features – with nothing but your eyes – and you can operate physical buttons, swipe and use other gestures.
Control your iPhone or iPad with your eyes
Starting from iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, users of a supporting iPhone or iPad can operate their device using their eyes. Eye tracking was developed for users with physical disabilities, but anyone can activate the function. Eye tracking works in iPadOS and iOS apps, without any additional hardware or accessories and uses the front camera.
Conditions for eye tracking iOS and iPadOS
This accessibility feature requires iOS 18, iPadOS 18 or newer and is available on iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 12 or newer. For iPadOS you need an iPad 2022, iPad mini 2021, iPad Air 2019, iPad Pro 2021 or newer.
Enable eye tracking on iPad and iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Go to ‘Accessibility’
- Tap ‘Eye Tracking’
- Turn on ‘Eye Tracking’
- Follow the dot with your eyes as it moves across the screen
- If necessary, adjust parts afterwards, such as making the movements smoother
Eye tracking uses the front camera to determine what you’re looking at
the screen. Make sure the front camera has a clear view of your face, with adequate lighting. For best results, the iPhone or iPad should be on a stable surface about two feet away from your face.
Hush control
After calibration, the hold-still control is automatically enabled. To use the iPhone or iPad with eye tracking, focus on a controller for a few moments. Then that part is tapped with hold controls. Other tasks such as the Home screen, Lock screen, Control Center, scrolling and more are available in the AssistiveTouch menu.
Control iOS or iPadOS with your eyes
Once the feature is enabled, the front camera will track the movements of your eyes. On the screen you will see a frame that moves with your eyes. By looking at a part it is automatically selected and activated. This includes opening an app, enabling a function, etc.
There is a learning curve in this function, it takes some getting used to in the beginning. You may be tempted to constantly look at the dot on the screen, but that is wrong. The dot just follows your eyes, so try to ignore it and look at the items on the screen.
Certain components can only be activated via the AssistiveTouch menu. This is a virtual home button that you can open by looking at it. You can then open the control panel, return to the home screen, etc. While using eye tracking, you can continue to use the touchscreen of your iPhone or iPad.