Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features Ahead of Global Accessibility

Apple has revealed a range of new accessibility features set to arrive later this year with updates to iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. This announcement comes just ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

Key Accessibility Features for iPhone and iPad:

• Music Haptics
• Vocal Shortcuts
• Vehicle Motion Cues

Enhancements for Mac and Vision Pro:

• Mac users will be able to customize VoiceOver keyboard shortcuts and gain Mandarin support for Personal Voice.
• The Vision Pro will include system-wide Live Captions, Reduce Transparency, Smart Invert, and Dim Flashing Lights.

Built-In Eye-Tracking for iPhones and iPads:

One of the most exciting features is the built-in eye-tracking capability for iPhones and iPads (models with the A12 chip or later). Using the front-facing camera, users can navigate the device's interface without additional hardware. By simply looking at the screen, users can move through apps and menus, and select items by lingering on them. This feature is supported by on-device AI to understand your gaze and will be compatible with third-party apps from launch.

Vocal Shortcuts for Hands-Free Control:

Apple is also enhancing voice-based controls with Vocal Shortcuts. Using on-device AI, personalized models are created for each user. Commands can be set up for single words, phrases, or even unique utterances. Siri will recognize these commands to perform designated tasks without needing a prompt.

Music Haptics in Apple Music:

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, Music Haptics will provide tactile feedback in sync with audio. Starting with Apple Music, this feature will use vibrations to convey different textures and sensations. An API will allow developers to integrate similar functionality into their apps.

Accessibility Improvements in Cars with CarPlay:

Apple is enhancing CarPlay with voice control and color filters, making it easier for users with visual impairments to navigate menus and alerts. The interface will also support bold and large text, and sound recognition for noises like sirens or honks, displaying alerts on the screen. Additionally, a new feature called Vehicle Motion Cues aims to reduce motion sickness by aligning visual dots on the screen with the vehicle's movements.

Other Accessibility Updates:

Further updates include Live Captions in visionOS, a new Reader mode in Magnifier, support for multi-line braille, and a virtual trackpad for Assistive Touch users. While the exact release dates for these features are not yet known, they are expected to be included in upcoming versions of iOS. More details may be revealed at Apple's developer conference, WWDC, in a few weeks.