Apple has recently announced a suite of new accessibility features designed to empower users with disabilities, including the much-anticipated eye-tracking integration for iOS and iPadOS.
The Cupertino giant announced these features ahead of its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) scheduled for next month.
Apple's New Eye Tracking Features
The eye tracking feature, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), enables individuals with physical disabilities to navigate their iPhones and iPads using only their eyes.
This technology uses the front-facing camera to allow users to control their devices precisely and efficiently through 'Dwell Control' without additional hardware. According to Apple, the feature can be calibrated and set up using on-device machine learning in a matter of seconds.
Moreover, Apple ensures data privacy by conducting all processing on-device, reinforcing its commitment to user security.
Music Haptics to Make Audio More Accessible
In addition to eye tracking, Apple introduced Music Haptics, a new feature catering to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This functionality utilizes the iPhone's Taptic Engine to translate audio into tactile sensations, allowing users to experience the rhythm and nuances of music through vibrations and textures.
Additional good news to users is that Music Haptics is compatible with millions of songs in the Apple Music catalog. At the same time, developers can integrate this feature into their own applications through a dedicated API.
The new iPhone 14 Pro is displayed during a launch event for new products at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 7, 2022. - Apple unveiled several new products including a new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, three Apple watches, and new AirPod Pros during the event.
BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL/AFP via Getty Images
Vocal Shortcuts
Apple also enhances accessibility through Vocal Shortcuts, enabling users to customize Siri commands to execute tasks and shortcuts seamlessly.
Additionally, a new "Listen for Atypical Speech" feature is "designed for users with acquired or progressive conditions that affect speech, such as cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or stroke."
This functionality lets users with acquired or progressive conditions affecting speech have greater control and convenience in interacting with their Apple devices.
Vehicle Motion Cues
Addressing the challenge of motion sickness experienced by some users, Apple introduced Vehicle Motion Cues, a feature designed to alleviate discomfort during travel.
By displaying animated dots on the screen's edges to represent changes in vehicle motion, this feature leverages sensors built into iPhones and iPads to detect motion and adjust accordingly. Users have the flexibility to toggle this feature on or off via the Control Center, enhancing their overall user experience.
Release Dates
While specific release dates for these features remain undisclosed, they are expected to debut with the upcoming iOS and iPadOS 18 updates, slated for release later this year.
These new features are excellent news for disabled people who rely on Apple products to get through their daily lives. In Aug 2023, we reported that a disabled man in the UK had his Apple product costs recognized as disability-related expenses in a ruling.
