How to control your iPhone with just your facial expressions
What's the story
Apple's iOS 26 update has introduced a unique feature called head tracking gestures. The innovative capability allows users to control their iPhones with facial expressions like raising an eyebrow or smiling. The feature is designed to make navigation easier when hands are busy, dirty, or out of reach. It is a small change that offers a glimpse into futuristic technology without any hassle.
Activation process
How to enable head tracking gestures
To enable this feature, users need to ensure their device is running iOS 26. They can then go to Settings, tap Accessibility, and scroll down to Head Tracking. Once they toggle the switch on, their iPhone will start recognizing their facial expressions. The setup process is simple and takes less than 10 minutes, allowing users to experiment without any consequences.
Personalization options
Customizing your head tracking experience
The head tracking gestures feature comes with a range of customization options. Users can assign basic actions to facial expressions like eyebrow raises, blinks, tongue sticks, or lip puckers. For instance, you could scroll up by tilting your head left and down by moving it right. The sensitivity of each gesture can also be adjusted under the Actions menu for optimal performance.
Toggle feature
Quick toggle for added convenience
Apple has also introduced a quick toggle for the head tracking gestures feature. By adding AssistiveTouch to the Control Center, users can easily turn this feature on or off with just two swipes. This makes it more than just an accessibility tool and could actually speed up tasks on busy days once you get used to using facial expressions as shortcuts.