Focus modes are Apple's built-in feature that helps you customize what notifications and apps you see based on what you're doing. Think of them as different "profiles" for your iPad that filter distractions.
How Focus Modes Work When you activate a Focus mode, it can:
- Show only notifications from specific apps or people
- Hide certain apps from your home screen
- Automatically reply to messages letting people know you're unavailable
- Sync across all your Apple devices
Built-in Focus Modes Your iPad comes with several preset options:
- Do Not Disturb - blocks most notifications
- Sleep - minimizes disruptions before bed
- Work - focuses on productivity apps
- Personal - for non-work time
Creating Custom Focus Modes You can make your own, like:
- "Reading" mode that only shows books/reading apps
- "Study" mode that blocks social media but allows educational apps
- "Creative" mode for art/writing with relevant tools visible
Setting Them Up Go to Settings > Focus, then:
- Choose a Focus mode or create a new one
- Select which people can still reach you
- Choose which apps can send notifications
- Pick which apps appear on your home screen
- Set it to activate automatically based on time, location, or when you open certain apps
Quick Access You can turn Focus modes on/off quickly from Control Center (swipe down from top-right corner and tap the Focus button).
The most useful part is that Focus modes help your iPad automatically adapt to what you're trying to accomplish, rather than showing you everything all the time.