How Apple’s New Feature Could Alleviate Carsickness for Users

Experiencing carsickness can be an unpleasant barrier to enjoying travel, particularly for those who prefer reading or engaging with screens while on the move. Apple has introduced a feature called Vehicle Motion Cues designed to help mitigate this issue. This feature overlays moving circles on the sides of an iPhone screen, which align with the vehicle’s motion, potentially providing users with visual cues to ease the discomfort associated with carsickness.

Understanding the cause of motion sickness is essential to appreciate how this feature may help. According to the Cleveland Clinic, carsickness arises from a mismatch between visual input and the sensations detected by the inner ear. This discrepancy is explained through two primary theories: the postural instability theory and the sensory conflict theory. The latter, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suggests that sickness occurs when there is a conflict between what a person sees and what their inner ear senses.

The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. When in motion—such as while in a moving vehicle—this system detects changes in orientation and movement through a fluid known as endolymph. The combination of visual information and vestibular input helps individuals maintain balance when walking or running. However, when one is in a vehicle, looking down at a book or screen can create a sensory conflict. The body senses movement while the eyes are focused on something stationary, leading to feelings of nausea.

To alleviate carsickness, experts recommend focusing on distant objects or the horizon. This helps resolve the sensory conflict by aligning visual input with physical sensations. Additionally, being mindful of one’s diet before traveling can also help; for example, traveling on a full stomach and avoiding alcohol and smoking can reduce symptoms.

### Exploring Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues

The Vehicle Motion Cues feature is accessible through the iPhone’s settings under Accessibility > Motion. When activated, it displays circles on both sides of the screen that move according to the vehicle’s motion. For instance, if the car accelerates, the circles move forward at the same pace as external objects would appear to pass by. Conversely, when reversing, the circles move backward, and they adjust dynamically during turns.

While Apple has not cited specific studies directly influencing the design of this feature, research conducted by the University of Salzburg in 2019 explored a similar concept. The study utilized an Android app that also displayed moving bubbles to help reduce feelings of motion sickness. Although the sample size was limited, many participants reported a significant decrease in nausea, suggesting that visual cues can be beneficial.

Since its introduction in March 2023, user experiences with Apple’s feature have varied. Some individuals have reported positive outcomes, noting a reduction in carsickness when using the feature, while others found it less effective. For those struggling with carsickness, it may be worth experimenting with the Vehicle Motion Cues feature. Users can toggle it to activate only while in a moving vehicle, potentially allowing them to engage with reading materials without discomfort.

As more people seek solutions for common issues like carsickness, innovations such as Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues offer promising avenues for improved travel experiences. Whether this feature can significantly enhance users’ comfort while reading in cars remains to be fully validated, but anecdotal evidence suggests it could be a valuable tool for those sensitive to motion.