\nApple\u00ae today previewed a suite of accessibility updates that use Apple Intelligence to bring new capabilities to features users rely on every day, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader.1<\/sup> Apple also announced on-device generated subtitles for uncaptioned video content coming to the Apple ecosystem, as well as a new feature for Apple Vision Pro\u00ae users to control compatible wheelchairs with their eyes. These new features, as well as updates using Apple Intelligence\u2122, are coming later this year. And starting today, the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone\u00ae \u2014 an adaptive MagSafe\u00ae accessory designed with accessibility at the core \u2014 is available in three vibrant new colors on the Apple Store\u00ae online.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cApple\u2019s approach to accessibility is unlike any other,\u201d said Tim Cook, Apple\u2019s CEO. \u201cNow, with Apple Intelligence, we are bringing powerful new capabilities into our accessibility features while maintaining our foundational commitment to privacy by design.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe accessibility features our users rely on every day become even more powerful with Apple Intelligence,\u201d said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple\u2019s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. \u201cWith these updates, we\u2019re bringing new, intuitive options for input, exploration, and personalization \u2014 designed to protect users\u2019 privacy at every step.\u201d<\/p>\n
VoiceOver and Magnifier Can Explore More<\/b><\/p>\n
\nFor users who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver and Magnifier can describe onscreen information or a user\u2019s surroundings.2<\/sup> With Apple Intelligence, these essential tools become even more powerful. The Image Explorer in VoiceOver uses Apple Intelligence to give more detailed descriptions of images systemwide, including what\u2019s in photographs, scanned bills, personal records, and other visual content. With updates to Live Recognition, VoiceOver users can press the Action button on iPhone to quickly ask a question about what\u2019s in the camera viewfinder and get a detailed response. Users can also ask follow-up questions in their own words to get more visual information.<\/p>\n \nMagnifier uses Apple Intelligence to bring the same assistive exploration and visual description to a high-contrast interface designed for users who have low vision. Magnifier also works with the Action button so users can quickly ask questions and get answers. And users can control the app itself with spoken requests, such as \u201czoom in\u201d or \u201cturn on flashlight.\u201d<\/p>\n Voice Control Gets Natural Language<\/b><\/p>\n \nWith Apple Intelligence, Voice Control becomes more intuitive than ever, using natural language to help users with a range of physical disabilities navigate iPhone and iPad\u00ae entirely by voice. With a new flexible input, users can describe onscreen buttons and controls with natural language instead of memorizing exact labels or numbers. The option to \u201csay what you see\u201d is great for navigating any app, including those with visual layouts such as Apple Maps or Files, using intuitive language like \u201ctap the guide about best restaurants\u201d or \u201ctap the purple folder.\u201d This can also help users overcome barriers when elements aren\u2019t properly labeled for accessibility.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Accessibility Reader Adapts Even More<\/b><\/p>\n \nAccessibility Reader is a customized reading experience for users with a wide range of disabilities, from dyslexia to low vision, and with Apple Intelligence, the reading experience is more accessible than ever. Accessibility Reader works on more complex source material like scientific articles, handling text with multiple columns, images, and tables. On-demand summaries provide readers the option to get an overview of the article before diving into the details. And with new built-in translation, users can read text in their native language while retaining custom formatting, font, and colors.<\/p>\n Generated Subtitles for Video<\/b><\/p>\n \nWhile captioning solutions are increasingly common for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles for spoken dialogue are rarely available for personal videos, content shared by friends and family, and other media. With new generated subtitles, videos can display transcriptions of spoken audio automatically when captions or subtitles are not already provided, including in clips recorded on iPhone, received from friends and family, or streamed online. With on-device speech recognition, subtitles are generated privately and appear automatically for uncaptioned videos on iPhone, iPad, Mac\u00ae, Apple TV\u00ae, and Apple Vision Pro. The appearance of subtitles can be customized in the video playback menu or in Settings.4<\/sup><\/p>\n A Powerful Wheelchair Control Feature for Apple Vision Pro<\/b><\/p>\n \nFor some people who use power wheelchairs, driving with a joystick is not an option, and alternative drive controls can be an essential part of independent movement. Leveraging the precision eye-tracking system on Apple Vision Pro, a new power wheelchair control feature offers users a responsive input method for compatible alternative drive systems. With Vision Pro, eye tracking doesn\u2019t require frequent recalibration and works in a variety of lighting conditions.5<\/sup> The feature will be compatible with TOLT Technologies and LUCI alternative drive systems in the U.S., with accessory support for both Bluetooth and wired connections,6<\/sup> and Apple will continue to work with developers to expand support for more wheelchair drive systems.<\/p>\n \n\u201cThe option to control my power wheelchair on my own is gold to me,\u201d said Pat Dolan, founder of GeoALS and a member of Team Gleason\u2019s patient advisory board, who has lived with ALS for 10 years. \u201cWith this new feature, Apple is developing life-enhancing technology for the people who need it most.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\u201cOver the past decade, we\u2019ve seen eye-driven wheelchair systems evolve in incredible ways,\u201d said Blair Casey, Team Gleason\u2019s CEO. \u201cLeveraging Apple Vision Pro\u2019s eye-tracking capabilities in this way is a huge step forward. Team Gleason is proud to support this initiative and excited to see the benefits it can bring to people who use power wheelchairs.\u201d<\/p>\n Hikawa Adaptive MagSafe Accessory Now Widely Available<\/b><\/p>\n \nLaunching today worldwide on the Apple Store online, the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone is now available in three vibrant new colors. Los Angeles-based designer Bailey Hikawa developed this MagSafe accessory with accessibility in mind, collaborating with individuals with a wide range of disabilities affecting grip, strength, and mobility. The result is an adaptive grip and stand that helps users hold iPhone in the way that works best for them. Now, in a collaboration between Hikawa and PopSockets, this unique adaptive accessory is available globally for the first time.7<\/sup><\/p>\n \n\u201cApple\u2019s accessibility work \u2014 which involves including disability communities from the very earliest stages of design to make the best possible product for everyone \u2014 has been the driving force of this project,\u201d said Hikawa. \u201cOur studio is built around intuitive, delightful accessories for iPhone, and it\u2019s been a great privilege to create a product that embraces iPhone as an assistive device and pays tribute to accessibility.\u201d<\/p>\n \nOn May 20, Apple The Grove in Los Angeles will host a Today at Apple<\/a>\u00ae session with Hikawa, author Shane Burcaw, and actor Alex Barone to discuss the role of iPhone as a pivotal assistive technology, and how accessible design can create inclusive, delightful experiences for everyone.<\/p>\n Additional Updates<\/b><\/p>\n \nApple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple\u2019s six software platforms \u2014 iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS \u2014 provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple\u2019s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.<\/p>\n Footnotes<\/b><\/p>\n 1 <\/sup>Apple Intelligence is available in beta with support for these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Japanese, and Korean. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. For feature and language availability and system requirements, see support.apple.com\/en-us\/121115<\/a>. \nNOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom (www.apple.com\/newsroom<\/a>), or email Apple\u2019s Media Helpline at media.help@apple.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\u00a9 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Vision Pro, Apple Intelligence, iPhone, MagSafe, Apple Store, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, visionOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, and FaceTime are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260519727678\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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2 <\/sup>VoiceOver and Magnifier should not be relied upon in circumstances where you could be harmed or injured, in high-risk situations, for navigation, or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
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3 <\/sup>Voice Control powered by Apple Intelligence will be available in English in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Australia.
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4 <\/sup>Generated subtitles will be available in English in the U.S. and Canada.
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5 <\/sup>The feature and Apple Vision Pro are intended for use in controlled environments. For more information, visit support.apple.com\/en-us\/118507<\/a>.
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6 <\/sup>A wired connection requires the purchase of the Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap.
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7 <\/sup>Customers can purchase the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone on apple.com<\/a> in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the U.S.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n