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Apple announces new accessibility features rolling out later this year

The Magnifier app is shown on Mac.
Photo: Apple

Apple on Tuesday announced a suite of new accessibility features set to roll out later this year, including Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will provide more detailed information about the accessibility of apps and games on the App Store.

Users who are blind or have low vision will benefit from a range of new tools: the Magnifier app for Mac allows for easier exploration and interaction; Braille Access supports note-taking and calculations; and updates to visionOS enhance usability through the Apple Vision Pro’s advanced camera system.

Other highlights include Accessibility Reader, a systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility at its core, along with enhancements to Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues, and more. Powered by Apple silicon and on-device machine learning and AI, these features aim to deliver a deeper, more integrated accessibility experience across the Apple ecosystem.

“At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love.”

“Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most.”

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Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Reference Group community representatives (front L-R) Cindy McDougall, James Carter and Andrew Leeman are backed by Cr Jo Beard, and Council’s Assets Co-ordinator Maria Caro, Economic Partnership Officer Kellie Duynhoven, Infrastructure Projects Officer Dean Finlayson, Rural Access Officer Patrick Caruana and Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator Belinda Rowbottom. Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Reference Group community representatives (front L-R) Cindy McDougall, James Carter and Andrew Leeman are backed by Cr Jo Beard, and Council’s Assets Co-ordinator Maria Caro, Economic Partnership Officer Kellie Duynhoven, Infrastructure Projects Officer Dean Finlayson, Rural Access Officer Patrick Caruana and Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator Belinda Rowbottom.

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