May 13, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
Apple Introduces Advanced Accessibility Features for 2025
Apple is excited to announce a suite of powerful accessibility features set to launch later this year, enhancing user experience across its devices. Key highlights include Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store, a Magnifier app for Mac, Braille Access integration, and the new Accessibility Reader. Additional enhancements are planned for Live Listen, visionOS, Personal Voice, and more.
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — Today, Apple unveiled new accessibility technologies aimed at making its ecosystem more inclusive. Accessibility Nutrition Labels will provide critical information about app accessibility, allowing users to make informed choices prior to download. The newly introduced Magnifier app for Mac will aid users with visual impairments in exploring their surroundings. There’s also an innovative Braille Access feature for note-taking and calculations, along with upgrades for visionOS aimed at maximizing the potential of the Apple Vision Pro camera system.
“Accessibility is ingrained in our DNA,” declared Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Creating technology for all is a top priority, and these new innovations will empower users to find the information they need, explore their environment, and pursue their passions.”
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, added, “With over 40 years of commitment to accessibility, we are excited to push forward with features that enhance user engagement across our product lineup.”
Key Accessibility Features
1. Accessibility Nutrition Labels for the App Store
These labels will appear on App Store product pages to showcase various accessibility features within apps and games, helping users assess accessibility options before downloading. Developers can use this feature to educate users on functionalities such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, and more, with global availability.
Eric Bridges, CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, praised the initiative: “This is a significant advancement for accessibility. Consumers should know if products are accessible right from the start, and Apple provides the tools to help developers create inclusive experiences.”
2. Enhanced Magnifier for Mac
Following its success on iPhone and iPad since 2016, the Magnifier app is now available on Mac, enabling users with low vision to zoom into their environment. It uses Continuity Camera for seamless operation and supports multiple live session views for multitasking. Enhanced customization options will allow adjustments for contrast and brightness, improving visual clarity.
3. Revolutionary Braille Access
Apple’s new Braille Access turns iOS and macOS devices into sophisticated braille note-takers, allowing users to easily launch apps via Braille Screen Input. The feature supports note-taking in braille and integrates real-time transcription of conversations directly onto braille displays.
4. Accessibility Reader
This new reading mode simplifies text interaction for users with a variety of disabilities. Available across all Apple devices, users can customize text display with different fonts, colors, and spacings, as well as utilize Speech Content.
5. Live Captions on Apple Watch
Live Listen features will now be available on Apple Watch, providing real-time captions of spoken content streamed through AirPods and hearing aids, controlled directly from the watch for convenience.
6. Advanced Vision Accessibility Through visionOS
Enhancements to visionOS will leverage the advanced camera capabilities in Apple Vision Pro, expanding Zoom features and introducing Live Recognition for object identification and document reading.
Additional Accessibility Enhancements
- Background Sounds will incorporate new EQ settings and automations.
- Personal Voice will gain speed and efficiency for quicker voice replication.
- Vehicle Motion Cues are now integrated with Mac systems for enhanced usability.
- Assistive Access will introduce a simplified Apple TV app for an improved media experience.
- New features for Voice Control, Live Captions, and Sound Recognition will broaden accessibility options and support for multiple languages and scenarios.
Celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Apple is spotlighting accessibility features in its stores and through various platforms, including Apple Music and Apple Fitness+, showcasing stories, workshops, and specialized playlists to engage and educate.
About Apple
Apple transformed personal technology with the Macintosh in 1984 and continues to be a leader in innovation across its product lines, fostering accessible experiences for all users.
Press Contacts:
Will Butler
Apple
willbutler@apple.com
Apple Media Helpline
media.help@apple.com