Apple Previews New Accessibility Features for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple today previewed new software features for cognitive, vision, hearing, and mobility accessibility, along with innovative tools for individuals who are nonspeaking or at risk of losing their ability to speak.

Assistive Access

Assistive Access is a new feature that makes it easier for users with cognitive disabilities to use their iPhone or iPad. With Assistive Access, users can choose between a more visual, grid-based layout for their Home Screen and apps, or a row-based layout for those who prefer text. They can also enable a feature called “Reduce Motion” to reduce the amount of animation on the device, which can be helpful for users who are sensitive to motion.

Live Speech

Live Speech is a new feature that allows users to type what they want to say and then have it spoken aloud in real time. This can be helpful for individuals who are nonspeaking or who have difficulty speaking. Live Speech can also be used to translate text into other languages.

Personal Voice

Personal Voice is a new feature that allows users to create a synthesized voice that sounds like them. This can be helpful for individuals who are at risk of losing their ability to speak. Personal Voice can also be used to create custom voices for characters in games or apps.

Point and Speak in Magnifier

Point and Speak in Magnifier is a new feature that allows users to magnify text and then have it spoken aloud. This can be helpful for individuals with vision impairments. Point and Speak in Magnifier can also be used to translate text into other languages.

These new accessibility features are just a few of the ways that Apple is committed to making its products accessible to everyone. Apple works closely with community groups representing a broad spectrum of users with disabilities to develop accessibility features that make a real impact on people’s lives.

The new accessibility features will be available later this year in a software update for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.