Credits: Apple
Today, Apple offered a glimpse into numerous forthcoming accessibility enhancements slated for release later this year through updates such as iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2. This announcement precedes Global Accessibility Awareness Day by a single day.
Key accessibility additions for the iPhone and/or iPad encompass:
- Eye Tracking
Mac users will soon enjoy the option to personalize VoiceOver keyboard shortcuts, alongside Mandarin compatibility for Personal Voice. Additionally, the Vision Pro will receive systemwide enhancements, including Live Captions, Reduce Transparency, Smart Invert, and Dim Flashing Lights.
Apple introduces Eye Tracking functionality for the iPhone and iPad, enabling users to navigate system interfaces and applications using only their eyes:
Leveraging artificial intelligence, Eye Tracking offers users a native method to interact with their iPad and iPhone solely through eye movements. Tailored for individuals with physical impairments, Eye Tracking utilizes the front-facing camera for quick setup and calibration, with all setup and control data processed securely on the device through on-device machine learning, ensuring user privacy without sharing data with Apple.
Eye Tracking seamlessly operates across both iPadOS and iOS applications without the need for additional hardware or accessories. With Eye Tracking, users can effortlessly navigate through app elements and utilize Dwell Control to activate each element, accessing additional functionalities like physical buttons, swipes, and gestures, all controlled solely by eye movements.