Apple just announced a slew of new accessibility features coming to its software platforms in the months ahead, including eye tracking, which the company says uses artificial intelligence to let people with physical disabilities more easily navigate through iOS and iPadOS. These AI-powered updates are expected to be part of the iPhone-maker’s updates for iOS 18 accessibility features and aim to improve accessibility on the company’s devices. Let’s dive into the groundbreaking features that promise to make technology more inclusive for everyone.
Explore the top iOS 18 accessibility features
1. Eye Tracking
One of the standout iOS 18 accessibility features is Eye Tracking, which utilizes artificial intelligence to provide users with physical disabilities an intuitive way to navigate their iPad and iPhone using only their eyes. The front-facing camera sets up and calibrates this feature in seconds. On-device machine learning ensures all data remains secure, enhancing privacy by not sharing it with Apple.
2. Music Haptics
Music Haptics introduces a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music through tactile feedback. By enabling this feature, the iPhone’s Taptic Engine generates taps, textures, and refined vibrations synchronized with the music, making millions of songs in the Apple Music catalog more accessible. Developers can also leverage this through an API to enhance music accessibility in their apps.
3. Enhanced Speech Features
iOS 18 brings several enhancements for speech accessibility. Vocal Shortcuts allow users to assign custom utterances that Siri can understand, enabling quick execution of shortcuts and complex tasks. Listen for Atypical Speech, using on-device machine learning, improves speech recognition for a wider range of speech patterns, benefiting users with conditions such as cerebral palsy, ALS, or stroke.
4. Vehicle Motion Cues
Vehicle Motion Cues is designed to help reduce motion sickness for passengers using iPhone or iPad in a moving vehicle. Animated dots at the screen’s edges represent changes in vehicle motion, reducing sensory conflict. This feature can automatically activate when motion is detected or be manually controlled via the Control Center.
5. CarPlay Enhancements
CarPlay sees several new accessibility features. Voice Control allows hands-free navigation and app control. Sound Recognition alerts users to car horns and sirens, enhancing safety for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Color Filters improve visual clarity for colorblind users, with additional options for Bold Text and Large Text to make the interface easier to use.
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Additional Updates
Beyond the primary features, iOS 18 includes several other updates to enhance accessibility:
- VoiceOver: New voices, a flexible Voice Rotor, custom volume control, and the ability to customize keyboard shortcuts on Mac.
- Magnifier: A new Reader Mode and the ability to launch Detection Mode with the Action button.
- Braille: Faster control and text editing with Braille Screen Input, support for multi-line braille with Dot Pad, and Japanese language availability.
- Hover Typing: Larger text display when typing, shown in the user’s preferred font and color.
- Personal Voice: Available in Mandarin Chinese, allowing users to create a Personal Voice using shortened phrases.
- Live Speech: Includes categories and compatibility with Live Captions for users who are nonspeaking.
- Virtual Trackpad for AssistiveTouch: Allows users to control their device using a small screen region as a resizable trackpad.
- Switch Control: Uses iPhone and iPad cameras to recognize finger-tap gestures as switches.
- Voice Control: Adds support for custom vocabularies and complex words.
Also read: Top 8 GPT4o Use Cases
The iOS 18 accessibility features represent a significant leap forward in making technology more inclusive. From AI-powered eye tracking to innovative music haptics and enhanced speech features, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to accessibility. These updates not only improve the usability of their devices for people with disabilities but also pave the way for a more inclusive digital world. As these features roll out, they will undoubtedly enhance the daily lives of many users, proving once again that technology can be a powerful tool for inclusion and empowerment.
