A new nifty feature of Apple's latest update, iOS 11, aims to put a stop to drivers using their phones behind the wheel.

The update, released on Tuesday (September 19) includes the "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature, which blocks any notifications coming through whilst you're driving so you don't get distracted.

Using a phone while driving is illegal and as of March 2017 the penalty doubled.

If caught, drivers will receive a £200 fine and six points on their licence.

According to Apple's website, the update senses the motion of driving and once you stop the "Do Not Disturb" feature will appear as a notification for you to set up.

New controls allow notifications to be disabled when iPhone thinks you are driving

Once the feature is set up it will automatically turn on when your iPhone senses a driving motion or you can set it up to connect to your car's bluetooth system.

If driving and someone messages, the phone will send back an automated response.

The feature can be set up manually and can be customised.

What will happen while 'Do Not Disturb' is active

  • The iPhone stays silent and the screen remains off
  • If you receive a message the sender will get an automated response. If it is important they can send the word 'Urgent' for you to receive a notification.
  • Some notifications are received such as alarms, timer and emergency alerts
  • When using Maps the iPhone will still show lock screen navigation and turn-by-turn instructions

  • If you're a passenger and you go to use the iPhone whilst in the Do Not Disturb feature you must tap 'I'm Not Driving' to turn it off

Other features included in iOS 11

Apple iMessage now has a function so that you can send money via the app and the new Animoji lets you send moving emojis that can mirror your facial expression.

If you get the new iPhone X it comes with the FaceID feature, that replaces TouchID.

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Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android .