Customise iPad’s New Reduce Interruptions Focus Mode

With the launch of Apple Intelligence, there’s a new Focus mode for iPad called Reduce Interruptions. This Focus mode is powered by AI and ensures you’re only disturbed by the most essential notifications while using your device, with the rest going silently to your lock screen.

I’ve been using this mode for a few weeks, and I have to say—I don’t think I can go back to the way it was before. Now, only the most important messages come through, and the rest can wait until I’m free from work or other tasks.

If I tap on the three dots here and go to Settings, I can customise how this Focus mode works. You can choose specific people or groups you want to hear from immediately and select certain apps that are allowed to bypass Focus mode and notify you in real time. For example, I’ll add YouTube Studio since it’s at the top, but you might select an app crucial to your work that you can’t miss updates from. All other notifications will be filtered by Apple Intelligence.

And, just like any other Focus mode, you can set Reduce Interruptions to activate automatically based on location, time, or even using the new Smart Activation feature. This option lets Apple Intelligence detect your location, calendar events, and more to determine if the mode should be enabled. For example, if you have a scheduled Teams meeting, it’ll pick that up from your calendar and activate the mode for you—it’s quite clever!

As with other Focus modes, you can also link a custom lock screen or home screen layout to Reduce Interruptions. These personalisation options work across all Focus modes, but the AI-driven features in Apple Intelligence make this one especially useful. I recommend turning it on, fine-tuning it to your needs, and seeing how it works for you. It may not be for everyone, but I’ve really enjoyed using it.