Apple unveils new accessibility features & nutrition labels

Apple has announced a range of new accessibility features set to be released later this year across its devices and services.

One of the headline additions is Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will be introduced to the App Store.

These new labels are designed to give users clearer information about an app's accessibility features, such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion and captions. The aim is to help users with disabilities determine if an app meets their needs before downloading it.

"At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA. Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we're proud of the innovations we're sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them and do what they love." Tim Cook, Apple's Chief Executive Officer, commented on the company's ongoing commitment to inclusive technology.

"Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products. Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most." Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, added. 

Eric Bridges, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Foundation for the Blind, welcomed the App Store changes. "Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility. Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence."

Magnifier, a tool previously available on iPhone and iPad for users who are blind or have low vision, will be made available on Mac. The Mac version can connect to cameras, including Continuity Camera on iPhone or USB cameras, enabling users to zoom in on their surroundings and read documents using Desk View.

Multiple live session windows will be available, allowing new multitasking opportunities, such as viewing a presentation alongside reading a book. Users can customise visual settings, save captured views and take advantage of the new Accessibility Reader integration, which converts physical text into a legible on-screen format.

Braille Access is another upcoming feature designed to turn iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro into comprehensive braille note takers. Users will be able to launch apps using Braille Screen Input, take notes in Braille format, perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, and open Braille Ready Format files. The system will also feature live captions transcribed directly on braille displays for conversations.

Accessibility Reader will introduce a new systemwide reading mode to assist users with disabilities such as dyslexia or low vision. This tool will provide customisation options for font, colour and spacing, as well as support for spoken content. Accessibility Reader can be activated from any app and will be integrated with the Magnifier app to assist with reading physical text.

Live Listen on Apple Watch is set to receive enhancements aimed at deaf or hard-of-hearing users. The Apple Watch will serve as a remote control for Live Listen sessions, and users will see real-time Live Captions of audio from their iPhone on the paired Apple Watch. The updated feature will allow control from a distance and the ability to replay parts of a session as needed. Live Listen will work with existing hearing health features on AirPods Pro 2.

Other highlighted updates include easier personalisation of Background Sounds with new equaliser settings and automation options via Shortcuts, extended support for Personal Voice, including faster setup and support for Spanish (Mexico), Vehicle Motion Cues, which help reduce motion sickness, being expanded to Mac, and new customisation options being introduced throughout Apple's platforms.

Assistive technologies will be broadened, including Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces, new Apple TV app options for Assistive Access and more developer support for tailored user experiences. Additional improvements will also be introduced for music haptics, name recognition in Sound Recognition, and enhanced Voice Control capabilities, such as a programming mode in Xcode and additional language support.

Across accessibility initiatives, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV will feature stories highlighting people with disabilities and accessibility advancements. The App Store is also curating apps that prioritise accessibility and publishing stories of developers who focus on accessible design.

The company is developing educational resources, such as new videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist, to help users customise devices for their needs. The Shortcuts app will add features for capturing information quickly, and new accessibility settings will enable users to temporarily share their preferred settings when borrowing another device or using public kiosks.