What does True Tone on the iPhone actually do, and is it really good for the eyes?

Jakarta (ANTARA) - iPhone users are probably familiar with the True Tone feature found in the display settings. The feature is usually enabled by default on supported devices, but many people still do not know what True Tone actually does or whether it is genuinely good for eye health.

Put simply, True Tone is a feature that adjusts the iPhone’s screen display to match the lighting conditions around the user. Apple explains that the technology uses sensors to adjust the screen’s colour and intensity based on ambient light, so that images appear more natural.

How True Tone works on the iPhone

When True Tone is active, the iPhone reads the surrounding light conditions using a light sensor. The system then adjusts the screen’s colour and intensity accordingly.

For example, when indoors under lighting that tends towards yellow, the iPhone screen may appear slightly warmer. Conversely, when used in an environment with whiter or bluer lighting, the display can adapt to look more natural.

The goal is not to make the screen brighter or dimmer automatically, but rather to make the screen’s colour character better match the surrounding environment.

This differs from Night Shift. Night Shift is specifically designed to shift the screen’s colours towards the warmer end of the spectrum, particularly at night. Apple says the warmer appearance can make the screen more comfortable for the eyes to view.

The answer is that True Tone can make the viewing experience feel more comfortable for some people, but it does not mean the feature directly protects the eyes from damage.

Adjusting the screen’s colour and intensity to the surrounding light can help the display look more natural, so the contrast between the screen and the environment is less jarring. However, True Tone is not a medical feature and cannot prevent eye problems caused by prolonged use of digital devices.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, via EyeWiki, explains that prolonged use of digital devices can be associated with digital eye strain. Complaints that may arise include tired, dry or uncomfortable eyes, as well as headaches. One cause is the reduced frequency of blinking when someone stares at a screen for too long.

This means that enabling True Tone alone is not enough if a person uses their iPhone for hours without a break.

Another common misconception is assuming True Tone is the same as a blue light reduction feature. In fact, the two have different functions.

True Tone focuses on adjusting the screen’s colour and intensity based on ambient light conditions. Night Shift, meanwhile, changes the screen’s display to warmer colours, especially for use at night.

Therefore, if the main goal is to make the screen more comfortable to use at night, users may consider Night Shift. This setting can also be scheduled to activate automatically at certain times.

Which is better, True Tone on or off?

There is no rule that True Tone must always be switched on or off. The setting can be adjusted according to each user’s comfort.

If a screen colour that changes with the room’s conditions feels more comfortable, True Tone can be left on. The feature is also useful for users who frequently move between rooms with different lighting conditions.

However, for people who need a consistent screen colour, for instance when editing photos or videos, True Tone may need to be turned off temporarily, as the display’s colours can shift depending on the surrounding light.

Equally important, users should avoid the habit of staring at a screen at very high brightness in a dark room. Using a phone in low-light conditions can also cause eye discomfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that smartphone use in very dark conditions can cause temporary visual disturbances in certain situations.

So, while True Tone can indeed help make the iPhone’s display feel more natural and comfortable, it does not mean the feature is a form of eye protection. Using the screen with appropriate lighting, taking regular breaks, and not staring at the screen for too long remain far more important for maintaining eye comfort.