Apple recently launched its new iOS 12, which includes Screen Time, a feature that allows users to better manage their relationship with technology by setting time limits on specific apps. On the latest episode of the Thrive Global Podcast, in partnership with iHeartRadio and Sleep Number, Apple’s VP of Product Marketing, Greg Joswiak, tells Arianna Huffington about the new changes.
“What we wanted to do is provide people with the real information about how much they’re using devices, apps, categories of apps, how many notifications they’re getting,” Joswiak tells Huffington. “It’s fascinating when you look at it.”
Joswiak says that by simply knowing and acknowledging how much time we spend on our devices, we can see the areas that warrant a screen time limitation, and that’s where the features come in handy. “I’ll be able to stay in the moment,” Joswiak explains. “That’s a really powerful feature.”
In addition to its daytime benefits, Joswiak points out that the nighttime features of Screen Time are beneficial as well. He explains that prior to the existence of Apple’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, users would glance at their phones in the middle of the night to see the time, and end up reading through a slew of messages that had come in since bedtime. “When you’re in Do Not Disturb during the night, we shield those from you,” Joswiak explains, “So that you’re not tempted to look at that text and respond.”
The employees at Thrive Global got a chance to test the beta version of Screen Time, and we were blown away by the level of awareness that it provides for users — giving power back into the hands of the individual behind the device. And according to Joswiak, having the knowledge alone is enough to initiate a change in the way we work and live. “Everybody might have their own area that they want to improve upon,” he explains, “But it starts with information, and I think that’s our cornerstone.”
To find out more, listen to the full conversation on iHeartRadio, here. You can also listen to the Thrive Global podcast internationally for free on iTunes.