Apple’s latest iOS 18 update (coming into effect on 10th September) introduces a range of features designed to enhance accessibility for visually impaired users. These enhancements demonstrate Apple’s commitment to creating inclusive technology that empowers all users. Below is a detailed overview of the key accessibility features in iOS 18.
Enhanced VoiceOver
Improved Braille Support: iOS 18 offers expanded support for braille displays, enabling real-time translation of on-screen text into braille via Bluetooth. This seamless integration enhances the usability of braille input and output methods across various iOS applications.
Apple Intelligence Features
AI-Powered Accessibility Tools: The new Apple Intelligence suite introduces AI-driven features that provide improved object and scene recognition in real-time. These tools offer detailed descriptions of the environment, significantly aiding navigation and situational awareness.
Accessibility Shortcut Enhancements
Quick Access to Tools: The Accessibility shortcut feature now allows users to quickly access essential tools by triple-clicking the side button or using other shortcuts. Features like Magnifier, Colour Filters, Live Captions, and Live Speech can be enabled swiftly, simplifying the process of activating frequently used accessibility tools.
Zoom and Magnification
Enhanced Screen Magnification: The Zoom feature in iOS 18 allows up to 500% magnification making it easier for users to read small text or view detailed images. Users can control the zoom level using intuitive touch gestures such as double-tapping with three fingers to toggle zoom and sliding three fingers up or down to adjust magnification.
Improved Contrast and Colour Options
Customisable Display Settings: iOS 18 offers several options to adjust screen contrast and colours. Features like Invert Colours, Grayscale, and increased contrast settings help reduce glare and improve readability, making the screen more accessible for people with low vision.
Enhanced Dictation
Advanced Speech-to-Text: Dictation in iOS 18 supports over 60 languages and includes automatic punctuation allowing users to type by speaking. This feature provides a seamless transition between voice and touch input, enhancing the text entry experience for visually impaired users.
Audio Descriptions
Detailed Multimedia Descriptions: For visually impaired users who enjoy movies and TV shows iOS 18 includes detailed audio descriptions. These descriptions provide verbal explanations of visual elements, making it easier to follow along with multimedia content.
Live Listen and Hearing Features
Enhanced Audio Accessibility: Live Listen improves the clarity of speech through compatible hearing aids. Visual alerts using the device’s LED flash or vibrations can supplement audible alerts, benefiting users with dual sensory impairments.
Integration with Assistive Apps
Support for third-party apps: iOS 18 continues to support a wide range of third-party apps designed for visually impaired users. These apps offer functionalities such as text-to-speech, navigation assistance, additional magnification options and further advancing device accessibility.
If you have any questions or would like us to demonstrate this new feature, please contact us at info@MyVision.org.uk or 01865 725595.
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