Apple Unveils Visual, Sound, and Haptic Accessibility Features

Spanning its multiple platforms and dedicated operating systems, Apple continues to offer valuable accessibility features to both overcome user disabilities and enhance individual experiences. The company announced new accessibility features coming later in 2024, including new visual, sound and haptic options that harness the power of Apple hardware and software, Apple silicon, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

AAVAA, a startup company based in Montreal, Canada, has announced the introduction of its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology in the form of the AAVAA Headband Accessibility Developer’s Kit. The software and headband hardware is able to detect and recognize intentional control movements, such as blinks and clicks of a tongue, paving the way for individuals with disabilities and those with mobility, speech and hearing impairments to gain control over their devices.

Apple previewed new software features for cognitive, vision, hearing, and mobility accessibility, along with innovative tools for individuals who are nonspeaking or at risk of losing their ability to speak. These updates draw on advances in hardware and software, include on-device machine learning to ensure user privacy, and expand on Apple’s long-standing commitment to making products for everyone.