The world is only fair when everyone has equal access, regardless of their disability. On smart devices, accessibility features allow people with visual impairments to still use their phones even when they can’t see the screen. This week, Apple announced several new accessibility features for people with disabilities.
Accessibility Reader
Accessibility features are now powered by Apple Intelligence, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, Accessibility Reader, as well as new features for Apple Vision Pro and the video ecosystem. All of these features will be available by the end of 2026.
VoiceOver now provides more detailed image descriptions across the system, including photos, bills, and other documents. Users can ask questions about what the camera sees via the Action button and receive detailed answers, including follow-up questions in common language.
Vision Pro controls wheelchairs
Magnifier also receives the same functionality as the high-contrast interface, including voice controls like “zoom in” or “turn on flashlight”. Voice Control is also being improved on iPhone and iPad using native language without the need for users to memorize button labels or numbers.
The “Say what you see” feature allows for intuitive navigation such as “tap the Photos icon”. This will help in situations where websites are not well-labeled. Accessibility Reader is smarter as it supports complex articles such as scientific papers containing charts, columns, images, and tables. It can also summarize articles and perform translations.
Next, the subtitle feature is automatically generated for videos on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. Vision Pro can now also control the wheelchair steering system using high-precision eye tracking
Finally, the MagSafe Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand accessory is now available in three new colors and is being launched globally through the Apple Store. Previously, it was only available at select physical Apple Stores.
