iPhones around the world are being updated to the latest software release, iOS 18. Once again Apple demonstrates its commitment to accessibility with a host of new features and updates, which can be so helpful for people with vision impairment and other disabilities. This latest update is designed to empower users, making interacting with your Apple devices more seamless and intuitive than ever.
You can read our more detailed Apple accessibility guide over at our website, but for a shorter review, here are a few of our favourite updates:
Enhanced VoiceOver and braille support
VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader, continues to receive significant improvements in iOS 18. You can now make use of new voices, a more flexible Voice Rotor (the virtual control dial that lets you adjust settings and navigate content by turning two fingers on the screen), customisable volume control, and the ability to tailor VoiceOver keyboard shortcuts on Mac devices.
Braille users will also benefit from faster Braille Screen Input, expanded language support, and multi-line Braille with Dot Pad.
“You can [now] really quickly change between different voices and speeds on VoiceOver. I quite like having a faster voice whenever I'm just browsing around on my phone. But if I want to read something, an email or something on a website, I like to slow it down because that's where I really need to pay attention. And now you can do that really easily.”
--Darren, iPhone user
Magnifier: Reader Mode and Detection Mode
The Magnifier app has been enhanced with a new Reader Mode, making it easier to read text on the screen. Additionally, accessing Detection Mode via the Action button (an additional physical button on later model iPhones) has been simplified. Detection Mode has also gained enhanced tools such as:
People Detection
Door Detection
Point and Speak
These improvements provide greater flexibility and ease of use if you have low vision.
Apple Intelligence: bringing AI to accessibility
iOS 18 harnesses the power of onboard AI to deliver features like Visual Intelligence, which can describe scenes and objects captured by the camera, making it easier for users to move around safely and independently.
Available on devices with the A17 Pro processor (iPhone 15 Pro models and newer).
“I've used an iPhone since they first came out with VoiceOver. [With this latest release] the most exciting thing is the addition of AI. The most important use for a phone is gathering information, whether that's looking at the environment, reading a document, taking a photo… being able to see what's going on around me. I think that all this will be done by [the] onboard AI.”
–-Dennis, iPhone user
AirPods as hearing aids
AirPods have evolved into a viable option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Key features include:
Amplified Audio: boosted sound for clearer hearing.
Custom Sound Profiles: create personalised audio experiences by uploading an audiogram or using the Mimi app for a hearing test.
Live Listen: turns your iPhone into a directional microphone for better sound clarity in noisy environments.
Low vision features
For users with low vision, iOS 18 offers new tools:
Customisable home screen: resize app icons, use dark mode icons, and apply tints for better visibility.
Adjustable control panel: resize widgets and reorganise the layout for easier access.
Personal Voice and Vocal Shortcuts
With Personal Voice, you can create a custom voice that sounds like your own. By recording a few hours of audio, users can generate a personalised voice that can be used with Voice Control and other accessibility features.
Similarly, the Vocal Shortcuts feature now allows users to perform hands-free actions by using custom voice commands, making the process easier and more efficient.
Music Haptics: a new way to experience music
Music Haptics means you can feel the rhythm and beat of music through vibrations. Especially beneficial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, this option provides a tactile way to connect with music. We should note that this is an iPhone-only feature because the hardware that supports it is not included on iPad.
Additional accessibility features
In addition to these major advancements, iOS 18 includes a range of other accessibility improvements, such as:
Enhanced live captions: improved accuracy and support for more languages.
Improved sound recognition: enhanced ability to identify sounds in the environment.
Customisable Siri: more flexible voice commands and personalised experiences.
Expanded accessibility settings: more granular control over various accessibility options.
Bug fixes and future updates
While iOS 18 introduces numerous advancements, the AppleVis website notes that some bugs persist, including occasional VoiceOver focus issues. However, ongoing improvements highlight Apple’s commitment to refining the user experience.
These are just the latest updates in the ongoing development of accessible technology at Apple. For more information about accessibility features on Apple devices and step-by-step videos, visit our in-depth Apple accessibility guide on our website.
