Apple iOS 19 accessibility features: In a move that highlights its long-standing commitment to inclusive technology, Apple has announced a comprehensive lineup of new accessibility features coming to iOS 19, macOS 16, and other major platforms ahead of WWDC 2025. These updates will impact iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro users, delivering powerful tools for individuals with visual, auditory, cognitive, and mobility challenges.
The announcement, made just days before Global Accessibility Awareness Day, sets the tone for Apple’s upcoming software reveals during the WWDC keynote on June 9, 2025.
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Apple iOS 19 accessibility features : Apple Unveils iOS 19 and macOS 16 Accessibility Features Ahead of WWDC 2025
Key Accessibility Features in iOS 19 and macOS 16
1. Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store
One of the most anticipated additions is the Accessibility Nutrition Labels, a new section on App Store product pages. These labels will clearly outline which accessibility features an app supports — such as VoiceOver, Larger Text, or Captions — helping users identify compatible apps before downloading.
2. Braille Access Across Devices
Apple introduces Braille Access, a feature that turns iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Vision Pro into full-featured braille note-takers. The system supports both standard and Nemeth Braille input and even allows users to open Braille Ready Format (BRF) files. Braille users can also transcribe real-time conversations with integrated Live Captions.
3. Accessibility Reader for Improved Text Clarity
The new Accessibility Reader is a system-wide feature aimed at enhancing text readability for users with low vision or dyslexia. It offers customizable font types, colors, spacing, and background options — and includes Spoken Content for read-aloud support across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS.
4. Enhanced Live Captions on Apple Watch
For the first time, Live Captions are coming to Apple Watch, enabling users to read transcriptions of audio from their iPhones directly on their wrists.
5. Personal Voice Gets Faster and More Natural
With improvements in on-device machine learning, Personal Voice will now require fewer recordings and can generate a natural-sounding voice in less than a minute. The feature is also expanding its language support to include Spanish (Mexico).
6. Expanded Magnifier and Zoom Tools
The Magnifier app is coming to Mac, letting users zoom in on physical objects via a connected iPhone or USB camera. Meanwhile, Apple Vision Pro gets an enhanced Zoom feature, allowing users to magnify their environment with high precision.
More Accessibility Enhancements Coming to Apple Devices
- Vehicle Motion Cues are expanding to Mac to reduce motion sickness.
- Sound Recognition will soon be able to detect names being called and important sounds like crying babies and sirens.
- Eye and Head Tracking will allow users to navigate their devices using gaze or head movements.
- Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) support is arriving via Switch Control on iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.
- Background Sounds will feature new EQ options and automation through Shortcuts.
- Music Haptics on iPhone will offer customizable tactile feedback based on vocals or full audio.
- Voice Control improvements include programming support in Xcode, more languages, and synced vocabularies.
- Share Accessibility Settings lets users temporarily apply their accessibility settings on another Apple device.
What Else to Expect at WWDC 2025
Beyond accessibility, iOS 19 is rumored to bring:
- A UI redesign inspired by visionOS with sleeker icons and more responsive interactions.
- A smarter Siri, potentially powered by Apple’s own large language model (LLM).
- AI-driven Health app upgrades including food tracking and personalized coaching.
- Stage Manager feature for iPhones to support multi-tasking on external displays.
iOS 19 Compatibility
Apple has confirmed that iOS 19 will be supported on:
- iPhone 12 mini and newer models
- iPhone 16 and 15 series
Older devices such as iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and XS Max will not receive the update.
Apple’s latest accessibility innovations reaffirm its philosophy that technology should be built for everyone. With the rollout of iOS 19, macOS 16, and related platforms this fall, Apple continues to raise the bar in digital inclusivity — making everyday tasks easier, more intuitive, and more empowering for all users.
FAQs
When will iOS 19 and macOS 16 be released?
They are expected to launch in September 2025 after WWDC and beta testing
What are Accessibility Nutrition Labels?
These labels show which accessibility features an app supports on the App Store.
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