Apple makes devices more accessible

Apple wants to ensure that its own devices become more accessible this year so that more people can use them easily. iPads will support eye tracking hardware in the future, Watches will be able to be operated without touching them, and iPhones will become compatible with bidirectional hearing aids.

Eyetracking compatibility for iPads and voiceover for descriptions

Today, iPads basically cannot be operated without hands. Solutions for this already exist on the market, but they are not yet supported by Apple’s devices. That, however, is set to change this year: Apple has announced that its iPads will soon be compatible with external eye tracking hardware, which will allow the devices to be controlled via eye movement.

The iPads will also feature an improved voiceover function for describing image content and other objects. This makes it easier for users with limited vision to get information about the content displayed on the screen.

Apple Watch control without touch and hearing aid support for iPhone

With fine motor issues, Apple’s Watch has been hard to control with its small touchscreen. This is set to change thanks to the new AssistiveTouch feature. Built-in motion sensors, which include the already integrated gyroscope and motion sensor, are supposed to detect differences in muscle and tendon activity in combination with the optical heart rate sensor, ultimately enabling the control of a cursor via gesture.

Meanwhile, iPhones are also to become more accessible. Here, Apple plans to support bidirectional hearing aids, making it easier for hard-of-hearing people to use the device to make calls or play audio content.

Sign language support for the Store

In the U.S., U.K., as well as France, Apple Store support will also feature sign language service. Users will be able to receive sign language advice via video chat in the aforementioned countries in the future. An expansion to other countries is planned.