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How to Change iPhone Flashlight Beam Width

Adjusting the flashlight beam width on your iPhone can be incredibly useful whether you need a focused beam of light for reading in the dark or examining something up close, or a wider beam of light to illuminate a larger area during a nighttime stroll or a power outage. Adjusting the beam width allows you to customize the flashlight to suit your specific needs, making your iPhone even more versatile. The only catch is that this requires that you’re using an iPhone running at least iOS 18.

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Steps to Change iPhone Flashlight Beam Width

  1. Access your iPhone lock screen, and then hold your finger against the “Flashlight” icon to open the flashlight. The flashlight turns on, and you’ll see a control section for the flashlight at the top of the your screen.
  2. You can reduce the brightness of your flashlight beam by placing your finger inside of the control area and moving it down. You can move your finger back up to increase the flashlight brightness.

You can change your iPhone flashlight beam width by holding a finger against the outer part of the flashlight control area and moving it toward the middle of that area to create a skinny beam of light. Alternatively, you can move your finger back toward the outer part of the control area to widen the flashlight beam.

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5 Reasons to Change iPhone Flashlight Beam Width

1. Adapting to Different Lighting Needs

Changing your iPhone flashlight beam width allows you to adapt to various lighting needs. Sometimes, you need a broader, softer light to illuminate a larger area, such as when you’re in a dark room or navigating through unfamiliar terrain. Other times, a narrower, more focused beam is essential for tasks that require precision, like finding small objects in tight spaces. Having the ability to adjust the beam width offers flexibility for different situations. It turns your flashlight into a more versatile tool that caters to specific tasks. This customization enhances your experience by ensuring the right amount of light for any given scenario.

2. Extending Battery Life

Narrowing the flashlight beam can help conserve battery life by focusing the light on a smaller area, which requires less power. While the iPhone flashlight is efficient, using a broader beam for extended periods can drain your battery faster. By reducing the beam’s width, you get the illumination you need without overworking your device. This is especially useful during emergencies or power outages when conserving battery life is crucial. Adjusting the beam width allows you to use your iPhone flashlight more efficiently, ensuring it lasts longer in situations where power is limited. It’s a smart way to manage your device’s energy consumption while getting the most out of the flashlight feature.

3. Reducing Glare in Certain Situations

A wider flashlight beam can create unwanted glare, especially in reflective environments or when working with shiny surfaces. By narrowing the beam width, you reduce this glare and make it easier to focus on the task at hand. This adjustment improves visibility in settings like garages, kitchens, or when reading in low light. Minimizing glare also prevents eye strain and enhances your ability to see details more clearly. Changing the beam width provides better control over the lighting, allowing you to tailor it to your surroundings. It improves comfort and efficiency when performing tasks that require precise lighting conditions.

4. Enhancing Nighttime Photography

Adjusting the iPhone flashlight beam can improve nighttime photography by providing more controlled lighting. A narrower beam helps you focus light on a specific subject, which is particularly useful for close-up shots. On the other hand, a broader beam illuminates a wider scene, perfect for landscape or group photos taken in low-light environments. Changing the flashlight’s beam width enhances your ability to capture better photos in the dark without overpowering the subject or washing out details. This flexibility makes your iPhone a more effective tool for creative photography, giving you greater control over lighting conditions. It’s a practical way to improve the quality of your low-light shots.

5. Increasing Comfort During Reading or Close Work

When reading or doing close-up work in dimly lit spaces, adjusting the flashlight beam width can significantly improve comfort. A narrower, focused beam reduces the risk of lighting up a larger area than necessary, which could cause eye strain or disrupt your surroundings. Conversely, a broader beam might be more comfortable for reading in bed without disturbing others. This level of control ensures the light is directed exactly where you need it, making tasks like reading, crafting, or repairing small objects much easier. By changing the beam width, you create a more pleasant and customized lighting experience suited to your needs.

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About Max

Max has nearly 20 years of experience working in IT across three different industries in project management and management capacities: publishing, telecommunications and healthcare. He holds the following degrees and certifications: BS Communications, MA Communications, MBA and Project Management Professional (PMP). His tutorial-focused YouTube channel earned more than 100,000 subscribers in its first four years, and currently has more than 160,000 subscribers, 110,000,000 video views and an insane 2.4 million hours of watch time. Max enjoys learning new technology, reading and collecting comic books, listening to audiobooks and playing video games.

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