Launch the Messages app and open the conversation with the contact in question. For users having issues with contacts frequently abusing the Focus status feature, there's an option to disable it for specific people, provided that they are also iPhone users. There's no foolproof way of guaranteeing these messages are worth the disruption. Also note that while sharing a Focus status can be considered good manners, enabling the function also gives contacts the chance to mark their message as time-sensitive and ultimately jump over the hurdle Focus put on messages to begin with.

For now, Apple users should expect the ' Share Focus Status' option to only appear on the iPhone's built-in Messages app.

Unfortunately, not a lot of third-party apps have Focus status functionality. iPhone apps do not have a way of knowing which Focus mode is enabled, so contacts will not be privy to what task the user is currently busy with. It promotes transparency and proper communication etiquette, in the same way a 'busy' or 'away' status message would for desktop chat or messaging apps. IPhone users who regularly activate different Focus modes should consider enabling the feature for every single one. Contacts can then decide to either reach out at a later time or, in case of an emergency, bypass the Focus mode and notify the user about the incoming message. It's essentially a warning telling people that the person they are trying to reach may have notifications silenced and will therefore not be able to respond in a timely manner. Related: The Easiest Way To Switch Tabs In Safari For iPhoneĪ Focus status is a tiny blurb that appears on certain iPhone apps when users attempt to contact or send a message to other users who have a Focus mode enabled. iOS also has an additional option to let users share their Focus status with contacts. They can be set up to activate automatically at a prescribed time, at a specific location, or while using certain apps. Users can also create custom ones if none of those fit the type of tasks they want to concentrate on. Focus has a few preset modes that include Do Not Disturb, Personal, Work, Sleep, Fitness, and Driving.

Shared focus status