Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features Including Eye Tracking, Music Haptics, and Vocal Shortcuts

苹果 has announced a suite of new accessibility features set to launch later this year, reaffirming its commitment to making technology accessible to everyone. These enhancements are designed to leverage Apple’s hardware and software capabilities, including Apple silicon, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, to support users with various needs.

Eye Tracking for iPad and iPhone

One of the standout features is Eye Tracking, which allows users with physical disabilities to control their iPad or iPhone using just their eyes. Utilizing the front-facing camera, this feature sets up and calibrates quickly, ensuring all data remains securely on the device. Eye Tracking works seamlessly across iPadOS and iOS apps, enabling users to navigate and interact with apps using eye movements.

Music Haptics for the Hearing Impaired

Music Haptics offers a novel way for deaf or hard-of-hearing users to experience music. By using the Taptic Engine in iPhone, this feature provides tactile feedback, allowing users to feel the rhythm and beats of their favorite songs. Music Haptics is compatible with millions of tracks on Apple Music and will also be available to developers through an API.

Vocal Shortcuts and Enhanced Speech Recognition

Vocal Shortcuts allow users to perform tasks on their devices using custom sounds. Additionally, Listen for Atypical Speech enhances speech recognition for users with speech conditions such as cerebral palsy or ALS. This feature uses on-device machine learning to adapt to individual speech patterns, providing more accurate voice control.

Vehicle Motion Cues to Combat Motion Sickness

For users who experience motion sickness, Vehicle Motion Cues can help by displaying animated dots on the screen to reduce sensory conflict while in a moving vehicle. This feature uses the device’s sensors to detect motion and adjust the display accordingly, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers.

CarPlay and visionOS Updates

CarPlay will see new accessibility features, including Voice Control, Color Filters, and Sound Recognition. Meanwhile, visionOS will introduce systemwide Live Captions, enhancing accessibility for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. These updates are part of Apple’s ongoing effort to ensure its products are inclusive.

Additional Accessibility Enhancements

Apple is also enhancing several other accessibility features:

• VoiceOver: New voices, flexible Voice Rotor, custom volume control, and customizable keyboard shortcuts on Mac.
• Magnifier: New Reader Mode and quick launch of Detection Mode.

• Braille Support: Enhanced Braille Screen Input, multi-line braille support, and language expansion.
• Personal Voice: Now available in Mandarin Chinese.

• Live Speech: Improved for nonspeaking users with categories and compatibility with Live Captions.
• Virtual Trackpad for AssistiveTouch: Allows precise control using a small screen area.
• Switch Control: Uses device cameras to recognize finger-tap gestures as switches.
• Voice Control: Adds support for custom vocabularies and complex words.

Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day

To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Apple is introducing new features, collections, and sessions:

• Apple Stores: Hosting free sessions on accessibility features throughout May.
• App Store: Showcasing apps and games promoting accessibility and inclusion.
• Apple TV App: Honoring creators and activists who highlight disability experiences.
• Apple Books: Featuring first-person narratives by disabled writers.
• Apple Fitness+: Offering workouts with American Sign Language and other accessibility features.
• Apple Support: Providing resources on customizing devices for better accessibility.

These initiatives demonstrate Apple’s dedication to making technology accessible to all users, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the latest innovations.

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