While early computer systems had black backgrounds for necessity, Apple's System 7 OS in 1991 (called CloseView) was the first to offer a form of dark mode on a mass-market operating system, but modern, user-friendly dark modes for smartphones became mainstream around 2019 with iOS 13 and Android 10, following macOS Mojave in 2018.
Microsoft introduced a dark theme in the Anniversary Update of Windows 10 in 2016. In 2018, Apple followed in macOS Mojave. In September 2019, iOS 13 and Android 10 both introduced dark modes. Some operating systems provide tools to change the dark mode state automatically at sundown or sunrise.
A system-wide implementation of Dark Mode was first introduced in 2018 as part of macOS Mojave (10.14). It was introduced as part of iOS 13 and iPadOS 13 in 2019.
Samsung has offered a dark mode since 2019, so you should be familiar with the process by now. Open Settings > Display, and then choose Dark at the top of the screen. You can also control the feature directly from the phone's Quick Settings shade.
You're able to do this via an accessibility feature to invert colors & switch between light & dark mode performing a triple click of the home key. Go to settings> Accessibility> Accessability shortcut> Classic invert.
Dark mode makes it easier for your eyes to adjust between dimly lit surroundings and your phone screen. This can reduce eye strain and minimize eye fatigue. This is why car navigation systems and GPS devices switch to dark mode after sunset.
Dark Mode and Generation Z
Here's why dark mode resonates with this generation: Aesthetic Sensibility: Gen Z values aesthetics, often gravitating toward visually striking designs. Dark mode's sleek appearance aligns with their preferences for modern and minimalist interfaces.
You can use Night mode with iPhone 11 and later.
Dark theme applies to the Android system UI and apps running on the device. There are three ways to enable dark theme in Android 10 and higher: Use the system setting by navigating to Settings > Display > Theme to enable dark theme. Use the Quick Settings tile to switch themes from the notification tray, when enabled.
Low eye strain
One of the main reasons users switch to dark mode is to reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. Dark mode lowers the overall brightness of the screen, which means less light enters the eyes and reduces glare, making it easier to read or browse without discomfort.
For Android 9 or lower
Scroll to “Other Settings." To turn on or off, tap Dark Theme.
While “light mode” is still the default on most devices, recent studies show that over 80% of people use dark mode on their phones. Each mode affects how your emails, social media, website and ads look to those users.
Night mode Portrait is available on iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
An unopened, factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB iPhone from 2007 sold for over $190,000 (specifically $190,372.80) at a LCG Auctions auction in July 2023, becoming a highly prized collector's item due to its rarity and pristine condition, far exceeding its original price.
Portrait mode is available on iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, iPhone X and later, as well as iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus.
There's no conclusive evidence to suggest that dark mode helps digital eye strain, but it may help reduce blue light, potentially affecting sleep quality. Instead, if you experience symptoms of digital eye strain, you may want consider: Adjusting the brightness and contrast of your screen. Following the 20-20-20 rule.
Psychological Factors and Sleep
Notably, excessive mobile phone use, a common behavior among Gen Z, has been associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, further elevating the risk of insomnia.
For some people with ADHD, dark mode helps minimize distractions produced by bright screens while reducing visual noise, thus helping to keep focus on the primary content.
Cons of Dark Mode:
For these users, the reduced contrast in dark mode might make it harder to distinguish between elements on the screen. Lack of consistency across platforms: Dark Mode implementation varies across different platforms and applications, leading to inconsistencies in user experience.
The 10-10-10 rule for eyes is a simple strategy to combat digital eye strain: every 10 minutes, take a 10-second break and look at something at least 10 feet away, giving your eyes a rest from near-focus on screens. This practice helps prevent eye fatigue, dryness, and headaches by allowing eye muscles to relax and encouraging blinking, which is often reduced during screen use, says Healthline and Brinton Vision.
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