Apple Unveils Groundbreaking Accessibility Features for a More Inclusive Digital World

Powerful New Accessibility Features from Apple

Apple has announced a suite of powerful new accessibility features that will roll out later this year, designed to make technology more accessible and inclusive for everyone. These updates span across multiple devices and platforms, leveraging the latest in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and hardware innovations.

Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store

One of the key announcements is the introduction of Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store. These labels will provide detailed information about the accessibility features within apps and games, helping users with disabilities make more informed decisions before downloading. Developers can now highlight features such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions, and more.

Magnifier for Mac

Apple is bringing Magnifier to the Mac, a tool that has been available on iPhone and iPad since 2016. This feature will help users with low vision zoom in on their surroundings using their camera or Continuity Camera on an iPhone. The app supports multiple live session windows, customized views for brightness, contrast, color filters, and perspective, making it easier to read text and capture images.

Braille Access

Braille Access is a new feature that turns Apple devices into full-featured braille note takers. Users can take notes in braille format, perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files, and use live captions for real-time transcription of conversations.

Accessibility Reader

Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. This feature allows users to customize text with extensive options for font, color, and spacing, making it easier to read content from any app. It also works seamlessly with the Magnifier app.

Live Captions on Apple Watch

For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls now come to Apple Watch. This feature allows users to view real-time captions of audio heard by their iPhone and control sessions remotely from their watch.

Enhanced VisionOS Features with Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro will bring enhanced vision accessibility features using its advanced camera system. Users can magnify their surroundings, use VoiceOver for live recognition, and access a new API for developers to create apps that provide visual assistance.

Additional Updates

• Background Sounds: New EQ settings and automation options in Shortcuts make it easier to personalize sounds that help with focus and relaxation.
• Personal Voice: Faster, easier creation of personalized voices with less than 10 recorded phrases, now available in Spanish (Mexico).
• Vehicle Motion Cues: Reduces motion sickness when riding in a moving vehicle, now supported on Mac.
• Eye Tracking: New options for Eye Tracking and Switch Control make it easier to control devices without physical movement.
• Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs): Support for emerging technology to control devices without physical movement.
• Assistive Access: A simplified media player app for Apple TV and an API for developers to create tailored experiences.
• Music Haptics: Customizable haptics for music, including options for vocals only.
• Sound Recognition: Includes Name Recognition, which alerts users when their name is called.
• Voice Control in Xcode: A new programming mode for software developers with limited mobility.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Apple is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with various initiatives, including dedicated tables at retail stores, accessibility sessions through Today at Apple, and content highlights across Apple Music, Fitness+, TV+, Books, Podcasts, and News.