7 possible problems to check if you want full accessibility in Apple and Windows

When aiming for a perfect accessibility score across both Apple (e.g., Safari) and Windows (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox) browsers, you need to consider specific accessibility guidelines and compatibility between different operating systems and browsers. While the accessibility principles of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are largely consistent across modern browsers, there are some differences and challenges you need to address for a uniform experience. Below are the key considerations:

1. Focus Indicators and Keyboard Navigation

Problem:

• Windows browsers (like Chrome, Edge) display a clear focus ring by default when navigating with the keyboard.
• Safari on macOS hides the focus ring by default unless you use the tab key or explicitly enable keyboard access to all interface elements in the system settings.

Solution:

• Always add a clear, visible focus indicator regardless of the platform. Use CSS to emphasize focus

2. Keyboard Traps: Modal and Dialogs

Problem:

• Modals don’t always behave consistently across browsers. On macOS, modals may not handle keyboard navigation properly (e.g., closing the modal).
• Safari on macOS may have issues with focus management in modals, where the focus can remain outside the modal.

Solution

• Use a trap-focus script to keep the focus inside the modal when it is open, and ensure that the focus returns to the trigger when the modal is closed:

3. Screen Readers (VoiceOver vs. NVDA and JAWS)

Problem:

• VoiceOver on macOS behaves slightly differently compared to NVDA and JAWS on Windows. VoiceOver may interpret ARIA labels differently and has different interaction models, for instance, when handling form elements or tables.
• Complex ARIA patterns, like ARIA grids or combo boxes, might not work uniformly between Windows and macOS screen readers.

Solution

• Use standard HTML elements as much as possible, as they are correctly interpreted by all screen readers.
• Test with different screen readers (VoiceOver for macOS, NVDA, and JAWS for Windows) to ensure compatibility.

4. Color Contrast and Accessibility Settings

Problem:

• Safari and macOS handle system accessibility settings like dark mode and high contrast well, but some Windows browsers require extra CSS tweaks to support the same accessibility features.
• The way contrast settings and colors are rendered may vary across screens and platforms.

Solution:

• Use the correct color contrasts according to WCAG standards (minimum 4.5:1 for text). Test your colors on different screens and browsers.
• Implement CSS adjustments for system accessibility options:

5. Custom Scrollbars

Problem:

• Custom scrollbars can present accessibility issues, especially on Safari and macOS, where they may not work well with keyboard navigation or screen readers.
• Custom scrollbars on Windows browsers (like Chrome or Edge) can be difficult to use for people with motor impairments or visual impairments.

Solution:

• Avoid fully custom scrollbars. Allow users to use the default system scrollbars for the best accessibility.

6. Form Control and Placeholder Text

Problem:

• Safari may interpret placeholder text in form fields differently than browsers on Windows. This can confuse screen reader users since placeholder text may not always be read if there is no label.

Solution:

• Always use clear and visible labels for form fields instead of relying only on placeholders:

7. SVG Icons and Buttons

Problem:

• SVG icons are not always consistently interpreted by all browsers and screen readers.
• Screen readers like VoiceOver may ignore SVGs if they are not properly described.

Solution:

• Always use proper ARIA attributes or a title element inside the SVG for screen reader access:

Uniform Approach:

• Test across multiple browsers and platforms: Ensure you test your website on both Windows and macOS browsers, and also with screen readers like VoiceOver, NVDA, and JAWS.
• Use standard HTML elements: Prefer standard HTML elements over fully customized UI components. Standard elements are typically better supported.
• Focus management and keyboard navigation: Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible, and that the focus ring is clearly visible on all platforms.
• Color contrast and ARIA: Ensure sufficient color contrast and test your ARIA attributes to ensure they are rendered consistently.

By following a combination of good ARIA practices, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and compatibility testing, you can deliver a uniform, accessible experience across both macOS and Windows browsers.