iOS 17 Assistive Access
Over the past few days, I've been experimenting with a new feature in the iOS 17 update called Assistive Access. It allows you to create a custom interface restricting access to specific apps
I learned about it from a post by CodeMacLife on Medium. Apple created this feature to help people with cognitive disabilities.
Assistive Access is a distinctive iOS experience, with more focused features and a simplified user interface, which allows people with cognitive disabilities to use iPhone with greater ease and independence.
But it's also helpful to anyone, like myself, who wants to enforce some constraints on their phone usage.
Initial Setup
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access (under General)
There's some setup involved initially, such as picking your apps, granting permissions, and creating a passcode, but it's pretty straightforward. Once configured, you navigate back through the same menu options whenever you want to activate Assistive Access.
Switching Modes
You can exit Assistive Access and return to regular mode by pressing the home button three times and entering your passcode.
Switching doesn't require a reboot, but there's a significant lag. I consider that a plus. If it were easy to switch modes, it would defeat the purpose.
If you need to access other apps, you can, but there's enough resistance that you likely won't do it often.
Final Thoughts
If you've ever considered getting a second "dumb phone" or want a simplified smartphone experience, Assistive Access might be worth a try.