GoKawiilApple has today announced that it’s using AI to boost the power of a number of accessibility features. These include VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control and Accessibility Reader.
Additionally, power wheelchair users will now be able to use their eyes as controls when using Vision Pro …
Apple says that it has not compromised privacy when adding AI capabilities to its accessibility features.
“Apple’s approach to accessibility is unlike any other,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Now, with Apple Intelligence, we are bringing powerful new capabilities into our accessibility features while maintaining our foundational commitment to privacy by design.” “The accessibility features our users rely on every day become even more powerful with Apple Intelligence,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “With these updates, we’re bringing new, intuitive options for input, exploration, and personalization — designed to protect users’ privacy at every step.”
VoiceOver and Magnifier
VoiceOver and Magnifier assist users who are blind or have low vision to understand both on-screen information and their surroundings. Both are getting an AI boost.
The Image Explorer in VoiceOver uses Apple Intelligence to give more detailed descriptions of images systemwide, including what’s in photographs, scanned bills, personal records, and other visual content. With updates to Live Recognition, VoiceOver users can press the Action button on iPhone to quickly ask a question about what’s in the camera viewfinder and get a detailed response. Users can also ask follow-up questions in their own words to get more visual information. Magnifier also works with the Action button so users can quickly ask questions and get answers. And users can control the app itself with spoken requests, such as “zoom in” or “turn on flashlight.”
Natural language in Voice Control
Voice Control has so far required users to memorize exact words and phrases. With AI, Apple says that the feature now allows people to use natural language.
With a new flexible input, users can describe onscreen buttons and controls with natural language instead of memorizing exact labels or numbers. The option to “say what you see” is great for navigating any app, including those with visual layouts such as Apple Maps or Files, using intuitive language like “tap the guide about best restaurants” or “tap the purple folder.” This can also help users overcome barriers when elements aren’t properly labeled for accessibility.
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