Apple continues to expand its accessibility offerings with new features designed to improve the user experience for individuals with physical disabilities. These features, including device eye tracking, touch enhanced music listening, and settings for those with atypical speech, were announced during Global Accessibility Awareness Day.
One of the highlights is the eye tracking feature, which utilizes machine learning and AI to track facial movements using the device’s front-facing camera. Users can navigate through app elements and activate functions solely with their eyes. While eye-tracking systems have been available for computers, mobile devices are now catching up thanks to advancements in AI technology.
Another new feature called Music Haptics allows users who are Deaf or hard of hearing to experience music through touch. By turning on this setting, the iPhone’s Taptic Engine creates vibrations and textures that accompany the music. Currently, this feature is only available on Apple Music’s catalogue of songs.
To address speech disabilities, Apple introduced Vocal Shortcuts, which allows users to assign actions to custom utterances. This feature is paired with Listen for Atypical Speech, which uses on-device machine learning to recognize unique speech patterns. These features are particularly useful for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy or ALS.
Apple also made improvements to its range of accessibility tools. Magnifier, the app’s vision assistant, now has a Reader Mode. There is also a new Hover Typing option for those with low vision, a Virtual Trackpad for users with limited range, and additional customizations for VoiceOver and VoiceControl. VisionOS will receive systemwide Live Captions, while tools like Reduce Transparency, Smart Invert, and Dim Flashing Lights are added for users with low vision. CarPlay users can now access Voice Control, Color Filters, and Sound Recognition.
These new accessibility features from Apple aim to provide users with physical disabilities more control and interaction with their devices. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in their continuous efforts to improve accessibility options. With each new update, Apple brings innovative solutions to the table, making technology accessible to a wider range of users.
