Apple Previews iOS 17 Accessibility Features Ahead of WWDC
Apple today previewed a wide range of new accessibility features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac that are set to arrive later this year.
Apple says that the “new software features for cognitive, speech, and vision accessibility are coming later this year,” which strongly suggests that they will be part of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14. The new operating systems are expected to be previewed at WWDC in early June before launching in the fall.
Assistive Access
Assistive Access helps iPhone and iPad users with cognitive disabilities by distilling apps and experiences to their core features. The mode includes a customized experience for Phone and FaceTime, which are combined into a single Calls app, as well as Messages, Camera, Photos, and Music. The feature offers a distinct interface with high contrast buttons and large text labels, as well as tools to help trusted supporters tailor the experience for the individual they support. For example, users and trusted supporters can also choose between a more visual, grid-based layout for their Home Screen and apps, or a row-based layout for users who prefer text.
Live Speech and Personal Voice Advance Speech Accessibility
Live Speech on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac allows users to type what they want to say and have it spoken out loud during phone and FaceTime calls, as well as in-person conversations. Users can also save commonly used phrases to chime into conversations quickly.
For users at risk of losing their ability to speak — such as those with a recent diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or other conditions that can progressively impact speaking ability — Personal Voice is a simple and secure way to create a voice that sounds like them.
Users can create a Personal Voice by reading along with a randomized set of text prompts to record 15 minutes of audio on iPhone or iPad. This speech accessibility feature uses on-device machine learning to keep users’ information private and secure, and integrates with Live Speech so users can speak with their Personal Voice when connecting with loved ones.
Detection Mode in Magnifier and Point and Speak
In the Magnifier app, Point and Speak in makes it easier for users with vision disabilities to interact with physical objects that have several text labels. For example, while using a household appliance — such as a microwave — Point and Speak combines input from the Camera app, the LiDAR Scanner, and on-device machine learning to announce the text on each button as users move their finger across the keypad.
Point and Speak is built into the Magnifier app on iPhone and iPad, works great with VoiceOver, and can be used with other Magnifier features such as People Detection, Door Detection, and Image Descriptions to help users navigate their physical environment.
Other Features
Deaf or hard-of-hearing users can pair Made for iPhone hearing devices directly to Mac and customize them for their hearing comfort.
Voice Control adds phonetic suggestions for text editing so users who type with their voice can choose the right word out of several that might sound alike, like “do,” “due,” and “dew.”
Additionally, with Voice Control Guide, users can learn tips and tricks about using voice commands as an alternative to touch and typing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Users with physical and motor disabilities who use Switch Control can turn any switch into a virtual game controller to play their favorite games on iPhone and iPad.
For users with low vision, Text Size is now easier to adjust across Mac apps such as Finder, Messages, Mail, Calendar, and Notes.
Users who are sensitive to rapid animations can automatically pause images with moving elements, such as GIFs, in Messages and Safari.
Users can customize the speed at which Siri speaks to them, with options ranging from 0.8x to 2x.
Shortcuts gains a new “Remember This” action, helping users with cognitive disabilities create a visual diary in the Notes app.
More to follow…
This article, “Apple Previews iOS 17 Accessibility Features Ahead of WWDC” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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