Customize Reduce Motion for Apps in iOS 15

Apple introduced a dedicated Per-App Settings feature in iOS 15 that allows users to customize accessibility preferences, including motion reduction, on an application-by-application basis. Rather than forcing a system-wide toggle that disables visual effects across the entire operating system, this update lets you apply the Reduce Motion setting exclusively to specific apps that trigger visual discomfort or motion sensitivity.

The Per-App Settings Accessibility Feature

Prior to iOS 15, the Reduce Motion setting was an all-or-nothing preference located under system accessibility controls. Enabling it replaced dynamic screen zooms, parallax wallpaper effects, and standard app opening animations with fade transitions across the entire device.

In iOS 15, Apple added "Per-App Settings" at the bottom of the Accessibility menu. This feature gives you granular control over visual elements, allowing you to keep standard system animations active while disabling motion effects only in apps that feature aggressive animations or auto-playing graphics.

How to Configure Motion Reduction for Individual Apps

To set up custom motion settings for a specific app, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 15 or later.
  2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
  3. Scroll to the very bottom of the menu and select Per-App Settings.
  4. Tap Add App.
  5. Choose the application you want to customize from the list, or select Home Screen to adjust settings exclusively for the system interface.
  6. Once added, tap the name of the app in the list to access its individual accessibility options.
  7. Tap Reduce Motion and switch it from Default to On.
  8. Optional: Once Reduce Motion is active, you can also toggle Prefer Cross-Fade Transitions to replace sliding interface transitions with smooth cross-fades inside that specific app.

Any adjustments made within this menu will override your global iOS accessibility preferences. If you later decide to restore the default system behavior, swipe left on the app's name inside the Per-App Settings list and tap Delete.