Apple has just shared a new list of accessibility features coming to iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro later this year. These features are designed to help people who may have vision or hearing problems, reading difficulties, or just prefer technology that’s easier to use.
But even if you don’t consider yourself someone with a disability, you might still find these new tools incredibly helpful. Whether you wear reading glasses, prefer larger text, or want your computer to explain things more clearly—there’s something here for you.
Let’s take a look at what Apple is adding.
A New Way to Check if Apps Are Easy to Use
Apple is adding something called “Accessibility Nutrition Labels” to the App Store. It’s a new section that shows you which features an app supports—for example, whether it works with VoiceOver (a screen reader), if it has large text, or if the colors are easy to see.
Why it helps:
Now, before you download an app, you can check if it’s going to be easy for you to use. No more guessing or hoping for the best.
Real example:
Karen, who has trouble reading small print, now checks the label to make sure an app supports larger text before downloading it.
Magnifier for Mac – See the World Up Close
Many people already use the Magnifier on their iPhone or iPad to zoom in on books, menus, or signs. Now, that same tool is coming to the Mac.
You can use your computer’s camera—or even your iPhone’s camera—to zoom in on anything around you. It could be a receipt, a medicine label, or something written on a whiteboard. You can also adjust the brightness, color, and contrast to make things easier to read.
Real example:
Tom uses his Mac to help his grandson with school. He points the camera at his handwritten notes and zooms in so he can see clearly and help explain things.
Braille Access – A New Tool for Blind Users
This one is for people who use braille. Apple is introducing a new app called Braille Access, which works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. It lets users take notes, do math, and read files using braille, all in one place.
Why it matters:
In the past, people had to buy special devices for this. Now, Apple is including it right in their products, saving money and making everything work together more easily.
Accessibility Reader – Make Text Easier to Read
This is a new reading mode that you can use in most apps. It lets you change the font size, the background color, the spacing between lines—whatever helps you read more comfortably. It can even read the text out loud.
Real example:
Sandra has mild dyslexia and gets tired reading long articles. With Accessibility Reader, she changes the font to one that’s easier for her eyes and listens to the article instead.
Live Captions on Apple Watch
If you wear hearing aids or struggle to hear clearly, you can now get real-time captions from your iPhone right on your Apple Watch. It’s like subtitles—but for real life.
Real example:
Michael leaves his iPhone near the speaker during a meeting, and his watch shows what people are saying, so he never misses a thing.
Apple Vision Pro – Seeing the World, Described Out Loud
Apple Vision Pro, the company’s new headset, is adding smart features for people who are blind or have low vision. It can zoom in on your surroundings, describe what’s around you, and even read documents using its camera.
Why it matters:
For people who need help seeing, this makes it easier to shop, read signs, or move around safely—without needing to hold anything in their hands.
More Helpful Features Coming Soon
Here are a few more updates Apple is adding:
- Live Captions will work in more languages, including Spanish, French, and Chinese.
- Head Tracking will let users move their head to control an iPhone or iPad, instead of using their hands.
- New Shortcuts can help you quickly take notes or turn on useful tools with a single tap.
Apple Stores will offer free sessions to learn how to use these features.
Why It’s Important
These updates aren’t just for a small group of people. They’re for anyone who ever squints at their screen, turns the volume up too high, or wishes their computer was a little more helpful.
Apple is showing that accessibility means making things easier for everyone. Whether you have low vision, reading difficulties, or just want a simpler way to get things done—these features are there to support you.
We’ll update you again when they become available later this year.