Apple’s iOS 17 brought a fascinating new feature to iPhone users: “the hidden ‘red mode.'” At first, this dramatic screen shift left some owners alarmed, wondering if their devices had been hacked or damaged. However, the blood-red display is actually part of a thoughtful tool designed to promote better sleep and nighttime relaxation.
This innovation is a feature of “StandBy mode”, which turns your iPhone into a versatile bedside display when placed horizontally on a charger. StandBy can show a clock, widgets, or even live activities, but it’s the calming “red tint in Night Mode” that has people buzzing. Why red? Research suggests that red light minimally impacts the circadian system, helping the body prepare for sleep by encouraging melatonin production.
There are two main ways to access this feature:
1. “Color Filters”: Go to “Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters” to apply a red tint manually.
2. “Night Mode in StandBy”: Enable StandBy in “Settings”, place your phone on a charger in landscape orientation, and the screen will adapt to the room’s lighting. In low ambient light, it shifts to a soothing red.
Blue light, emitted by most digital screens, disrupts melatonin production and can throw off your body’s internal clock. Mariana Figueiro of the Mount Sinai Light and Health Research Center explains that red light minimizes these disruptions, making it an ideal choice for pre-sleep environments. Unlike blue light, which stimulates alertness, red light signals relaxation and readiness for rest.
The introduction of ‘red mode’ has sparked curiosity and confusion online. While some Reddit users marveled at the feature’s practicality—perfect for nighttime trips to the fridge—others initially mistook the red hue for a technical issue. One user even joked that as an Android loyalist, they couldn’t help but be impressed.
This small but significant tweak is more than a gimmick. It reflects Apple’s growing focus on health-conscious technology. By incorporating features that align with circadian research, Apple ensures its devices don’t just keep users connected but also help them disconnect when it’s time to rest.
So, next time your iPhone’s screen turns an eerie red, don’t panic. Instead, enjoy the benefits of a feature designed to make your nights a little more peaceful—and your mornings a lot more refreshed.
