Coming soon: Apple’s new accessibility features include braille access, nutrition labels

Dubai: Consumer electronics juggernaut Apple, on Tuesday, unveiled a slew of accessibility features coming later this year that should help individuals with diverse needs read, see, and even speak via its various devices.

The new updates include changes to features that can both reduce distracting background sounds and, for users who may be deaf or hard of hearing, highlight important sounds and recognise when someone nearby is saying their name.

However, one of the most visible changes is a new Accessibility Nutrition Labels section in the App Store that will make it easy to find what features an app or game supports.

The Cupertino-based tech conglomerate has long championed inclusive technology for all users.

 “At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “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, and do what they love.”

Key updates include:

App Store accessibility labels: A new section will display the accessibility features of apps and games support. This feature allows diverse users to learn if an app will be accessible to them before they download it and allows developers to better inform and educate their users on features their app supports.

This includes VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, and captions. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will be available on the App Store worldwide.

Enhanced Mac magnifier: Visually challenged users can now interact more easily using the Magnifier app on Mac computers. The magnifier was launched 2016 on iPhone and iPad, and low-vision users could zoom in, read text and detect objects.

According to Apple, the Magnifier app for Mac connects to a user’s camera so they can zoom in on their surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard.

Braille access: A new feature will allow users to take notes and perform calculations using Braille. With a built-in app launcher, users can easily open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected Braille device.

Vision Pro updates: For users who are blind or have low vision, visionOS will expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro.

Live captions on Apple Watch: For users who are deaf or hard of hearing, Live Listen controls will launch on Apple Watch with new features, including real-time Live Captions. Live Listen turns the iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, which are made for iPhone hearing aids or Beats headphones.

Other features include an accessibility reader, a new system-wide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, and improved audio features. Users can also look forward to personal voice and vehicle motion cues.

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