Apple’s New Accessibility Features in iOS 19, macOS 16, visionOS, and watchOS

Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features in iOS 19

Apple is significantly enhancing its accessibility features, with a suite of new tools set to roll out across its ecosystem in late 2025. These updates aim to empower users with disabilities by offering more inclusive ways to interact with Apple devices. Key features include Braille support and an upgraded Magnifier app. Additionally, the introduction of Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, along with Braille support across iOS 19, macOS 16, iPadOS 19, and watchOS 12, follows Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2025 in June.

Key Accessibility Features Coming to Apple Devices in 2025

1. Accessibility Nutrition Labels for Apps

Apple is set to introduce Accessibility Nutrition Labels in the iOS 19 App Store, similar to the existing privacy labels. These labels will help users easily identify which accessibility features an app offers before downloading. The labels may include support for features such as:

  • VoiceOver
  • Captions
  • Audio Descriptions
  • Voice Control
  • Switch Control
  • Dynamic Text

This addition empowers users to make informed decisions and discover apps that cater to their specific accessibility needs.

2. Magnifier App for macOS

Apple is introducing a robust Magnifier app to macOS, designed to assist users in zooming in on objects or reading small text more easily.

Key features include:

  • The ability to use a USB camera or the iPhone’s Continuity Camera to magnify whiteboards, screens, or documents.
  • A Desk View mode, offering an overhead view for magnifying documents and providing an easier reading experience.

This tool is particularly beneficial for users with low vision or those needing to examine detailed text or objects.

3. Braille Access Across All Major Platforms

Apple is introducing an innovative Braille Access feature, which will be available across all major platforms:

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Mac
  • Apple Vision Pro

What users can do with Braille access:

  • Take and save Braille notes
  • Perform calculations using Braille code
  • Launch apps and read BRF (Braille Ready Format) files
  • Interact with system elements using Braille commands

This new feature marks a significant advancement in supporting the blind and visually impaired community, enhancing their ability to interact with Apple devices.

4. Accessibility Reader

Apple is introducing a new Accessibility Reader mode, designed to enhance text legibility across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Customisable settings include:

  • Font style and size
  • Color contrast
  • Spacing options

This feature is particularly aimed at users with dyslexia or low vision and will be seamlessly integrated into the existing Magnifier app for a more streamlined experience.

5. Live Captions on Apple Watch

With watchOS 12, Apple Watch will introduce Live Captions, enabling users to:

  • View real-time transcriptions of audio captured on a paired iPhone.
  • Control Live Listen sessions directly from their wrist.

This feature significantly enhances the experience for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, making it easier for them to engage in conversations and media experiences.

6. Apple Vision Pro Accessibility Enhancements

The Apple Vision Pro headset will introduce key accessibility enhancements, including:

  • The main camera zooms to help visually impaired users better observe their surroundings.
  • Braille Access functionality, enabling note-taking and app interaction.

These updates ensure a more inclusive experience for users with vision impairments.

7. Vehicle Motion Cues for macOS

Originally introduced for iPhone in 2024, Vehicle Motion Cues will now be available on macOS. This feature helps reduce motion sickness by synchronising screen movement with real-world motion cues, providing a smoother and more comfortable experience for users.

Also Read: Google Upgrades Security for Advanced Protection in Android 16

8. Smarter Personal Voice and Name Recognition

Personal Voice will receive an upgrade, featuring more natural-sounding speech synthesis for a more fluid and lifelike experience.

Sound Recognition will now include alerts when a user’s name is mentioned, enhancing situational awareness for deaf and hard-of-hearing users.

Overview Table: Apple Accessibility Features in 2025

FeaturePlatform(s)Key Benefits
Accessibility LabelsiOS 19View supported accessibility features before downloading apps.
Magnifier AppmacOS 16Zoom in on text and objects using camera input.
Braille AccessiOS, iPadOS, macOS, Vision ProTake notes, perform calculations, and control apps in Braille.
Accessibility ReaderiOS, iPadOS, macOSCustomisable text display for low vision or dyslexia.
Live Captions on Apple WatchwatchOS 12Real-time captions for audio captured on iPhone.
Camera Zoom (Vision Pro)Apple Vision ProEnhanced vision with zoom functionality.
Vehicle Motion CuesmacOS 16Reduces motion sickness by synchronising screen movement with real-world cues.
Personal Voice ImprovementsAll platformsMore natural AI-generated voice for clearer communication.
Name RecognitionAll platformsAlerts when someone says your name, enhancing awareness.

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