Notifications and Focus
Focus Filters
Most people call this changing what apps show while a Focus is on.
A Focus Filter changes what an app displays, such as showing only your work calendar or only one mail account while Work Focus is active.
This setting is present on your iPhone.
- We have this path on file but have not yet confirmed it against an official source.
Where to find it - iOS 16 and later
- Settings
- Focus
- Focus name
- Focus Filters
What it does
Filters exist for Calendar, Mail, Messages and Safari, plus system filters for Dark Mode and Low Power Mode. Some third party apps support them too.
What changes
When it is on
The app shows only the accounts or content you allowed for that Focus.
When it is off
Every app shows everything.
Should you turn it on?
Good reasons to turn it on
- Real separation between work and personal use on one phone.
- Removes the temptation rather than just the alert.
Good reasons to turn it off
- Hidden content can look like data loss until you realise a Focus is on.
- Setup takes thought.
Battery
Depends how you use it
Privacy
Helps
Performance
No real change
Cellular data
No real change
Storage
No real change
Out of the box: No filters until you add them.
Worth reading first
What your iPhone needs
- Needs iOS 16 or later
Questions people actually ask
- Why has one of my calendars disappeared?
- A Focus Filter is hiding it. Turn the Focus off or edit its filter.
If it is not working
- If a calendar or mailbox has vanished, check whether a Focus with a filter is active.
- The Low Power Mode filter is a neat way to save battery automatically during Sleep Focus.