Apple Unveils Major Accessibility Upgrades for iOS 19 and macOS 16

Apple Unveils Major Accessibility Upgrades for iOS 19 and macOS 16

Apple is taking accessibility to the next level with a sweeping set of features coming to iOS 19, macOS 16, and beyond. These updates span from improved vision tools and new braille capabilities to smarter ways of interacting with apps, games, and real-world content.

All of this is made possible by the power of Apple Silicon and on-device AI through Apple Intelligence.

Magnifier Comes to Mac

Magnifier, a favorite on iPhone and iPad, is now coming to Mac. Users with low vision can zoom in on real-world objects, whiteboards, or documents using their Mac’s camera, iPhone (via Continuity Camera), or USB webcams. With support for Desk View, multiple live windows, and customized filters, it helps users follow along with presentations or read printed materials more easily.

Braille Access: A Full Note-Taking Experience

Apple is introducing Braille Access — a new way to use braille on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. It includes a full-featured braille note taker, a built-in app launcher, support for math and science notation (Nemeth Braille), and the ability to open BRF files. It even supports live captioning directly on braille displays, bringing real-time conversations to life for users who are deafblind.

Meet Accessibility Reader

Accessibility Reader is a new systemwide reading mode designed for users with dyslexia or low vision. Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro, it lets users customize fonts, colors, spacing, and even have content read aloud. It works within any app and is integrated into Magnifier, making it easier to read physical books, menus, and more.

Accessibility Nutrition Labels Hit the App Store

To help users better understand whether an app suits their accessibility needs, Apple is rolling out Accessibility Nutrition Labels. These labels highlight features like VoiceOver, Voice Control, captions, Larger Text, and more — making it easier to choose the right app before downloading. Developers are encouraged to update their app pages with accurate info to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

Live Captions Come to Apple Watch

Live Listen sessions can now be viewed directly on Apple Watch. When paired with an iPhone running a Live Listen session, users can read real-time captions while using AirPods or Made for iPhone hearing aids. The watch can also control sessions remotely, making accessibility features more convenient than ever — even from across the room.

Expanding Features on Apple Vision Pro

For users with low vision or blindness, visionOS is getting powerful upgrades. With on-device machine learning, Live Recognition describes the environment, identifies objects, and reads documents. Zoom enhancements allow users to magnify anything in view. Developers can also use a new API to create apps like Be My Eyes that assist with live interpretation.

Personalization and Control for All

Several new updates bring deeper customization and smarter interactions across devices:

  • Background Sounds now includes EQ options, auto-stop timers, and Shortcuts integration

  • Personal Voice now works in just 10 phrases and supports Spanish (Mexico)

  • Vehicle Motion Cues arrive on Mac and become more customizable on iPhone and iPad

  • Eye Tracking and Head Tracking add dwell and switch control support for easier typing

  • Brain Computer Interface (BCI) support is coming to Switch Control

  • Assistive Access now includes a custom Apple TV app and developer APIs

  • Music Haptics becomes more adjustable for intensity, vocals-only mode, and full-song support

  • Sound Recognition adds Name Recognition to help users know when they’re being called

  • Voice Control gets a new programming mode in Xcode, syncing across devices, and more language options

  • CarPlay supports Large Text and adds alerts for baby cries and other critical sounds

  • Share Accessibility Settings makes it easier to use someone else’s device with your custom setup

Global Accessibility Awareness Day Highlights

To celebrate accessibility and raise awareness, Apple is hosting events and releasing new content:

  • Apple Stores are showcasing accessibility tables and offering custom Today at Apple sessions

  • Apple Music highlights artist Kiddo K and expands haptic playlist support

  • Apple Fitness+ features Chelsie Hill in an empowering wheelchair dance workout

  • Apple TV+ premieres Deaf President Now! on May 16

  • Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, and the App Store spotlight creators and apps that champion accessibility

  • The Shortcuts app introduces Hold That Thought and Accessibility Assistant on Vision Pro

  • New Apple Support videos show how to personalize accessibility features across all devices

A Commitment That Goes Beyond Software

“Accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook. “We’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year to help everyone do what they love.”

From system-level upgrades to inclusive features in music, workouts, and entertainment, Apple is continuing its decades-long mission of creating technology that works for everyone.

Expect to see all of this and more officially announced at WWDC 2025 on June 9.

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