Apple today previewed a suite of iOS 27 accessibility features that use Apple Intelligence to bring new capabilities to VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. The company also announced on-device generated subtitles for uncaptioned video content and a new feature for Apple Vision Pro users to control compatible wheelchairs with their eyes. These updates are coming later this year.
Privacy-First Accessibility Design
Apple CEO Tim Cook said: “Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence is unlike any other. Now, with Apple Intelligence, we are bringing powerful new capabilities into our accessibility features while maintaining our foundational commitment to privacy by design.” Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, added: “With these updates, we’re bringing new, intuitive options for input, exploration, and personalization, designed to protect users’ privacy at every step.”
VoiceOver and Magnifier Get Smarter
For users who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver now uses Apple Intelligence to deliver more detailed descriptions of images systemwide, including photographs, scanned bills, and personal records. A new Image Explorer feature provides detailed analysis, while Live Recognition lets users press the Action button on iPhone to ask questions about the camera viewfinder and get instant responses. Magnifier brings the same capabilities to a high-contrast interface and supports voice commands like “zoom in.”
“The option to control my power wheelchair on my own is gold to me.”
Pat Dolan, founder of GeoALS and Team Gleason patient advisory board member
Natural Language Voice Control
Voice Control becomes more intuitive with artificial intelligence, using natural language to help users with physical disabilities navigate iPhone and iPad entirely by voice. Instead of memorizing exact labels or numbers, users can describe buttons intuitively, like “tap the purple folder” or “show the best restaurants.” This flexible input works across any app and overcomes improper labeling issues.
Accessibility Reader Powered by AI
Accessibility Reader, designed for users with dyslexia or low vision, now handles complex scientific articles with multiple columns, images, and tables. On-demand summaries let readers get an overview before diving in. Built-in translation reformats text into the user’s native language while preserving custom fonts and colors. These updates are powered by on-device artificial intelligence, keeping data private.
Generated Subtitles Across Apple Ecosystem
New generated subtitles automatically transcribe spoken audio for uncaptioned videos on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Using on-device speech recognition, subtitles appear privately for personal clips, shared content, and streamed online videos. Users can customize appearance in the video playback menu or Settings.
Apple Vision Pro Eye-Controlled Wheelchair
Leveraging the precision eye-tracking system on Apple Vision Pro, a new iOS 27 accessibility feature allows users to control compatible power wheelchairs with their eyes. It works with Tolt and LUCI alternative drive systems in the U.S. via Bluetooth or wired connection. Apple will expand support to more drive systems through developer partnerships.
Tim Cook emphasized: Apple’s commitment to accessibility is central to its mission. The company also announced the Hikawa Grip & Stand for iPhone, an adaptive MagSafe accessory, now available in three new colors worldwide.
Additional Updates Across Platforms
- Vehicle Motion Cues come to visionOS for passengers in moving vehicles
- Touch Accommodations personalize iOS and iPadOS setup
- Made for iPhone hearing aids gain improved pairing and handoff
- Larger Text support on tvOS for viewers with low vision
- Name Recognition expands to over 50 languages
- Sony Access controller now works as a game controller on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
These features are part of an annual update ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day. They typically ship with fall operating system releases, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and visionOS 27, expected to be unveiled at WWDC in June. For more details, read our full coverage on MacRumors.
