In anticipation of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple has unveiled a series of accessibility-focused features for the iPhone and iPad, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity and user accessibility. These updates aim to enhance the user experience for individuals with cognitive, vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities.
Key Features Announced
Assistive Access
One of the standout features is Assistive Access, designed to simplify the interface for users with cognitive disabilities. This feature includes a more straightforward UI with large text labels, high-contrast buttons, and one-touch access for making calls and sending messages. Users can customize their experience with a grid or row-based layout for the home screen and apps. Additionally, the new Calls app enables easy access to voice and FaceTime calls, while an emoji-only keyboard in the Messages app helps users communicate through emojis and video messages.
Live Speech and Personal Voice
Live Speech allows users to type what they want to say, and the device will speak it aloud during phone calls or in-person conversations. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who are nonspeaking or have limited speech capabilities. An extension of Live Speech, Personal Voice, enables users to create a voice that sounds like them by recording 15 minutes of audio. This personalized voice can be used for communication, offering a more familiar and comfortable experience for users who have lost their ability to speak.
Point and Speak
Apple’s Point and Speak feature within the Magnifier app leverages the iPhone and iPad’s camera, LiDAR sensor, and on-device machine learning to help visually impaired users navigate their surroundings. By pointing the device at objects, users can hear descriptions of their environment, making it easier to identify and interact with various elements around them.
Additional Accessibility Enhancements
Apple has introduced several other features to support a wide range of accessibility needs:
- Headphone Accommodations now support audiograms, allowing users to import hearing test results and customize audio settings based on their hearing profiles.
- Background Sounds provide continuous audio, such as ocean or rain sounds, to help users focus, stay calm, or rest, catering to those with neurodiversity.
- Sound Actions for Switch Control enable users to control their devices using mouth sounds, like clicks or pops, instead of physical buttons.
- Memoji Customizations include new options for users with oxygen tubes, cochlear implants, and soft helmets.
- Text Size and Display Customizations allow users to adjust settings on an app-by-app basis, improving readability for those with vision challenges.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day Initiatives
To celebrate Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple is offering various initiatives and resources:
- Apple Fitness+ workouts now incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) and offer modified exercises for users at different levels. Features like Audio Hints and closed captioning in multiple languages enhance the accessibility of fitness routines.
- Apple Maps has introduced a new guide from the National Park Foundation to help users discover accessible features in parks across the U.S.
- The App Store, Apple Books, and Apple TV app are highlighting content and collections that focus on accessibility and the disability community, featuring stories and recommendations from notable figures and advocates.
These updates reflect Apple’s ongoing efforts to make technology accessible to everyone, ensuring that all users can benefit from the advancements in their devices.
