What to know
- Notifications summaries is an AI feature in iOS 18 that provides summaries of all incoming notifications.
- You can enable or disable notification summaries and customize notification summaries from the Settings app > Notifications > Summarize Previews.
- Notification summaries also bring a new "Reduce Interruptions Focus" mode that understands the context of the notifications and silences the ones that aren't important.
In today's hyper-connected world, our iPhones are constantly buzzing with notifications. From social media alerts to work emails, it can feel like an endless stream of distractions. Thankfully, iOS offers a powerful tool to regain control: Notification Summaries.
What is Notification Summaries?
Notification Summaries group similar notifications together and deliver them in a concise bundle. Instead of a barrage of individual alerts, you'll receive a single summary at a designated time. This allows you:
- Reduce distractions: Minimize interruptions and stay focused on the task at hand.
- Gain control: Schedule summaries for times that suit your workflow, such as during breaks or at the end of the day.
- Prioritize: Quickly scan the summary to see if any urgent notifications require immediate attention.
How to Set Up Notification Summaries
- Open Settings: Tap on the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.
- Navigate to Notifications: Scroll down and tap on "Notifications."
- Select an App: Choose the app for which you want to enable summaries.
- Toggle on "Schedule Summary": Locate the "Schedule Summary" option and toggle it on.
- Customize Summary Delivery:
- Time of Day: Choose when you want to receive the summary, such as 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Delivery Options:
- "Deliver Quietly" for less urgent notifications.
- "Deliver Prominently" for important alerts.
- Repeat for Other Apps: Follow the same steps to enable summaries for other apps as needed.
Leveraging "Reduce Interruptions Focus"
For deeper focus, consider using "Reduce Interruptions Focus" alongside Notification Summaries. This powerful feature allows you to:
- Silence notifications: Temporarily mute all notifications from apps and contacts.
- Allow calls from: Specify which contacts can still reach you during "Reduce Interruptions."
- Schedule "Reduce Interruptions": Automatically activate the focus mode during specific times or locations.
Tips for Effective Notification Summaries and Focus:
- Start with a few apps: Begin by implementing summaries for the apps that most frequently distract you.
- Adjust summary times: Experiment with different delivery times to find what works best for your schedule and workflow.
- Utilize "Quiet Time": Combine Notification Summaries with "Quiet Time" (a similar focus mode) for even deeper focus during specific periods.
- Review your summaries: Regularly review your summaries to ensure you're not missing any critical alerts.
- Customize "Reduce Interruptions": Tailor your "Reduce Interruptions" settings to your specific needs and priorities.
By leveraging Notification Summaries and "Reduce Interruptions Focus," you can reclaim your focus, reduce stress, and enjoy a more peaceful and productive iPhone experience.
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