Apple has announced new accessibility features for people with cognitive, visual, auditory or motor impairments for this year. The new features, which aren’t expected to roll out until iOS 17, will also include tools for people who can’t speak or who are at risk of losing their ability to speak.
According to Apple, the new features use machine learning. The processing on the device is intended to ensure privacy.
The new Assistive Access function reduces apps and functions to the essentials and is intended to reduce cognitive load. So calls and FaceTime calls are combined in a single phone app. The same applies to news, camera, photos and music. Assistive Access has its own user interface with high-contrast buttons and large labels.
For users who prefer to communicate visually, the messaging app offers an emoji-only keyboard and the ability to record a video message. You can also choose between a more visual, grid-based layout for the home screen and apps, or a row-based layout.
With Live Speech for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can type what they want to say and have it read aloud during phone calls, FaceTime calls, and conversations. Personal Voice offers the ability to create a voice that sounds like your own. The voice is generated from the 15 minutes of audio material using machine learning.
“Point and Speak” label recognition in Magnifier makes it easier for visually impaired users to interact with physical objects that have multiple labels. Using a home device, Point and Speak combines input from the camera app, LiDAR scanner, and machine learning to speak the text on each key as you move your finger across the keyboard.
Apple is also celebrating World Accessibility Day on May 18 with various activities in its stores and services. Apple has already given such previews of new accessibility features in the past. According to the company, it works with community groups that represent users with restrictions.
