Motion sickness, affecting approximately one in three individuals, arises when there’s a disconnect between perceived and actual motion. This sensory conflict often leads to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. To address this, Apple introduced ‘Vehicle Motion Cues’ in its iOS 18 update, aiming to harmonise sensory inputs and alleviate motion-induced discomfort.
The ‘Vehicle Motion Cues’ feature displays animated dots along the screen’s periphery that move in sync with the vehicle. This alignment between visual cues and physical motion aims to reduce the sensory mismatch that often triggers motion sickness.
How to Enable Vehicle Motion Cues
To activate this feature:
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Accessibility.
3. Tap on Motion.
4. Toggle Show Vehicle Motion Cues to ‘On’ or set it to ‘Automatic’ for adaptive activation.
The reception of this feature has been mixed. Some users report significant relief, while others notice minimal effect. This variability is expected, as individual susceptibility to motion sickness differs. Experts note that aligning visual information with physical sensations can theoretically mitigate symptoms, but individual responses may vary.
For those without access to iOS 18 or seeking additional remedies, consider the following:
• Positioning: Sit in the front seat and focus on the horizon to stabilise your sensory input.
• Dietary Choices: Consuming ginger has been shown to reduce nausea due to its active components, which counteract the bodily processes that lead to vomiting.
• Hydration: Staying hydrated can help manage symptoms.
Apple’s ‘Vehicle Motion Cues’ represents a thoughtful integration of technology to tackle a common issue. While it may not be a universal solution, it offers a promising option for those affected by motion sickness. As with any remedy, individual experiences will vary, and combining technological aids with traditional strategies may provide the best results.
For a visual guide on enabling this feature, watch the following tutorial:
