iOS 9.3 Download, Features & Review: Apple Adds 'NightShift' Feature to Protect Your Eyesight

Most individuals can't keep their hands off their device even at night. Some still use their phone even when they are lying on their beds to read, play games, check emails or get connected with friends through social media.

But, did you know that too much light at night could harm you? Our sleep patterns are regulated by light and darkness. According to EurekAlert, one study from Ohio State University examined a group of mice housed in a lighted room for 24 hours a day and another group of mice housed in a room with a normal light-dark cycle. The study found out that the mice exposed to 24-hour light showed more symptoms of depression.

"The ability to escape light seemed to quell the depressive effects," said Laura Fonken, lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology at Ohio State University. "But constant light with no chance of escape increased depressive symptoms."

It seems that Apple recognizes this by adding a "Night Shift" feature in the new iOS 9.3 for its iPhones and iPads, Newsweek reported. This feature allows users to adjust their display to warmer colors at night to make it easier to look and read the screen at night.

In the iOS 9.3 preview, Apple mentioned several studies claiming that exposure to bright blue light in the evening could affect one's circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep. This inspires them to add the new feature that "uses your iOS device's clock and geolocation to determine when it's sunset in your location. Then it automatically shifts the colors in your display to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on your eyes." In the morning, the phone automatically returns to its regular settings.

Moreover, the new operating system is equipped with an updated feature that helps you find third-party apps easily. The categories such as weight, workouts and sleep have a new slider menu that helps you find great apps to add in your Health dashboard. The Health app now displays your move, exercise, stand data and your goals from Apple Watch.

Among the update in iOS 9.3 is the privacy added to notes. Apple recognizes that notes is among the most used app that contains the user's most personal data like financial details, medical info or website logins. So, they added security by incorporating a password or fingerprint check. One can also sort notes by date created, date modified or alphabetically.

With iOS 9.3, Apple is helping their users to become more healthy and fit. The new operating system also offers more than what's mentioned here. If you want to know the details, check out the iOS 9.3 preview page.

What do you think of Apple's new health features? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.