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Techday NZ
14-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Apple unveils major accessibility updates across its platforms
Apple has announced a range of new accessibility features set to be released later in the year across its platforms. The new features include Accessibility Nutrition Labels for the App Store, a Magnifier app for Mac, Braille Access on multiple Apple devices and an Accessibility Reader to enhance usability for those with disabilities including dyslexia and low vision. Widespread updates are also planned for Live Listen, Background Sounds, Personal Voice, Vehicle Motion Cues and more across the Apple ecosystem. Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer at Apple, said, "At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA. Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we're proud of the innovations we're sharing this year." "That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them and do what they love." Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives at Apple, added, "Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products. Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most." Accessibility Nutrition Labels will appear on App Store product pages worldwide, giving users details on accessibility features within apps and games before download. These sections will cover VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion, captions and other features. Developers will receive guidelines about displaying relevant accessibility information on their app listings. Eric Bridges, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Foundation for the Blind, commented, "Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility. Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone." "These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence." The Magnifier app, previously available on iPhone and iPad, is coming to Mac. It connects to the user's camera so they can zoom in on surroundings, such as a screen or whiteboard, and allows multitasking with several live session windows. The Magnifier supports Continuity Camera and works with both USB and iPhone cameras. Users can adjust visual settings, capture and save multiple views, and integrate with Accessibility Reader, which converts physical text into a customisable, legible format. Braille Access will turn iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro into full-featured braille note-taking devices. The tool integrates with the Apple ecosystem and supports app launching using Braille Screen Input or compatible devices. Users can take notes, perform calculations with Nemeth Braille, and open Braille Ready Format files. Live Captions functionality will allow real-time transcription for braille displays. Accessibility Reader will offer a systemwide reading mode, making text adjustable on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro. It gives users control over font, colour, spacing and offers support for spoken content. Accessibility Reader can be launched from any app and is built into Magnifier for enhanced reading of physical and digital text. Live Listen updates will include Apple Watch support, allowing users who are deaf or hard of hearing to view Live Captions on their watch while an audio session is underway. The Watch will also serve as a remote control for Live Listen sessions with support for AirPods and other Made for iPhone hearing aids, as well as integration with existing hearing health features such as the Hearing Aid function on AirPods Pro 2. Other updates include improved personalisation of Background Sounds with new EQ settings and automation, a faster implementation of Personal Voice enabling users to create their synthetic voice using just 10 recorded phrases in under a minute, and expanded language support for this feature including Spanish (Mexico). Vehicle Motion Cues will now be available on Mac and provide enhanced customisation to reduce motion sickness. Eye Tracking and Switch Control on iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro will receive upgrades to support additional input methods and faster keyboard use. Head Tracking will allow users to control devices with head movement. Switch Control will add support for Brain Computer Interfaces, allowing device control without physical actions. Assistive Access will introduce a streamlined Apple TV app and allow developers to create more tailored experiences for users with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Music Haptics will be more customisable and support for Sound Recognition will be extended with Name Recognition for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Voice Control enhancements will include a new programming mode in Xcode for developers with limited mobility, vocabulary syncing across devices and expanded language support. Live Captions will now include more regional language variants such as English (India, Australia, UK, Singapore), Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Spanish, French, Japanese, German and Korean. CarPlay updates will bring Large Text support and enhanced sound notifications for drivers or passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Other new features allow users to temporarily share accessibility settings across devices, a new shortcut to help retain information and expanded video resources to guide personalisation of Apple products with accessibility features. Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple TV+, Apple Books and Apple Podcasts will feature stories, playlists and content to coincide with Global Accessibility Awareness Day. The App Store will highlight accessible apps and feature the story of Klemens Strasser, a developer committed to building accessible experiences.
Techday NZ
13-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Apple unveils new accessibility features & nutrition labels
Apple has announced a range of new accessibility features set to be released later this year across its devices and services. One of the headline additions is Accessibility Nutrition Labels, which will be introduced to the App Store. These new labels are designed to give users clearer information about an app's accessibility features, such as VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, Sufficient Contrast, Reduced Motion and captions. The aim is to help users with disabilities determine if an app meets their needs before downloading it. "At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA. Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we're proud of the innovations we're sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them and do what they love." Tim Cook, Apple's Chief Executive Officer, commented on the company's ongoing commitment to inclusive technology. "Building on 40 years of accessibility innovation at Apple, we are dedicated to pushing forward with new accessibility features for all of our products. Powered by the Apple ecosystem, these features work seamlessly together to bring users new ways to engage with the things they care about most." Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, added. Eric Bridges, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Foundation for the Blind, welcomed the App Store changes. "Accessibility Nutrition Labels are a huge step forward for accessibility. Consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start, and Apple has a long-standing history of delivering tools and technologies that allow developers to build experiences for everyone. These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence." Magnifier, a tool previously available on iPhone and iPad for users who are blind or have low vision, will be made available on Mac. The Mac version can connect to cameras, including Continuity Camera on iPhone or USB cameras, enabling users to zoom in on their surroundings and read documents using Desk View. Multiple live session windows will be available, allowing new multitasking opportunities, such as viewing a presentation alongside reading a book. Users can customise visual settings, save captured views and take advantage of the new Accessibility Reader integration, which converts physical text into a legible on-screen format. Braille Access is another upcoming feature designed to turn iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro into comprehensive braille note takers. Users will be able to launch apps using Braille Screen Input, take notes in Braille format, perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, and open Braille Ready Format files. The system will also feature live captions transcribed directly on braille displays for conversations. Accessibility Reader will introduce a new systemwide reading mode to assist users with disabilities such as dyslexia or low vision. This tool will provide customisation options for font, colour and spacing, as well as support for spoken content. Accessibility Reader can be activated from any app and will be integrated with the Magnifier app to assist with reading physical text. Live Listen on Apple Watch is set to receive enhancements aimed at deaf or hard-of-hearing users. The Apple Watch will serve as a remote control for Live Listen sessions, and users will see real-time Live Captions of audio from their iPhone on the paired Apple Watch. The updated feature will allow control from a distance and the ability to replay parts of a session as needed. Live Listen will work with existing hearing health features on AirPods Pro 2. Other highlighted updates include easier personalisation of Background Sounds with new equaliser settings and automation options via Shortcuts, extended support for Personal Voice, including faster setup and support for Spanish (Mexico), Vehicle Motion Cues, which help reduce motion sickness, being expanded to Mac, and new customisation options being introduced throughout Apple's platforms. Assistive technologies will be broadened, including Switch Control for Brain Computer Interfaces, new Apple TV app options for Assistive Access and more developer support for tailored user experiences. Additional improvements will also be introduced for music haptics, name recognition in Sound Recognition, and enhanced Voice Control capabilities, such as a programming mode in Xcode and additional language support. Across accessibility initiatives, Apple Books, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV will feature stories highlighting people with disabilities and accessibility advancements. The App Store is also curating apps that prioritise accessibility and publishing stories of developers who focus on accessible design. The company is developing educational resources, such as new videos on the Apple Support accessibility playlist, to help users customise devices for their needs. The Shortcuts app will add features for capturing information quickly, and new accessibility settings will enable users to temporarily share their preferred settings when borrowing another device or using public kiosks.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Apple announces Accessibility Nutrition Labels on App Store, Braille Access, and more new accessibility features coming to iPhone, Mac, and other devices later this year
Apple announced a suite of new accessibility features Tuesday that will roll out across its device ecosystem later this year, including first-ever Accessibility Nutrition Labels for the App Store and a Magnifier app for Mac to help users with visual impairments. The tech giant's announcement, made on the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, includes innovative updates to Live Listen, Personal Voice, and visionOS, alongside entirely new features like Braille Access and Accessibility Reader that leverage Apple silicon and on-device machine learning. "At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we're proud of the innovations we're sharing this year." App Store gets Accessibility Nutrition Labels Among the most significant updates is the introduction of Accessibility Nutrition Labels on App Store product pages, providing detailed information about an app's accessibility features before download. These labels will highlight support for features like VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, and captions, giving users with disabilities more confidence in their app purchases. Eric Bridges, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, called the labels "a huge step forward for accessibility," noting that "consumers deserve to know if a product or service will be accessible to them from the very start." New tools for visual and hearing accessibility Apple is bringing its Magnifier app to Mac, connecting to cameras so users with low vision can zoom in on surroundings like screens or whiteboards. The app supports multiple live session windows for multitasking and customizable views for adjusting brightness, contrast, and color filters. For deaf and hard-of-hearing users, Live Listen controls and real-time Live Captions are coming to Apple Watch, allowing the watch to serve as a remote control for listening sessions. Personal Voice is becoming faster and more natural-sounding, requiring only 10 recorded phrases and less than a minute to create a voice, and will add support for Mexican Spanish. Braille Access and system-wide Reading Mode The new Braille Access feature will transform Apple devices into full-featured braille note takers, allowing users to open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. Users can take notes in braille format, perform calculations using Nemeth Braille, and open Braille Ready Format files directly. Accessibility Reader introduces a system-wide reading mode that makes text easier to read for users with dyslexia or low vision. Available across Apple's ecosystem, it offers extensive customization options for font, color, and spacing, with support for Spoken Content. Apple is also enhancing visionOS accessibility with updates to Zoom that let users magnify everything in view using Apple Vision Pro's main camera, and Live Recognition will use on-device machine learning to describe surroundings and read documents. The company is celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day with dedicated retail displays, special Today at Apple sessions, and curated content across Apple Music, Apple TV+, Books, Podcasts, and the App Store. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Tom's Guide
13-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Apple just announced huge accessibility upgrades for iPhone, Macs and more — 9 biggest new features
Apple is making its devices easier to use for those with impairments. The company announced many new accessibility features scheduled to arrive later this year for iPhone, Mac, Vision Pro and more. Some of the most interesting features are designed for those with vision impairments, but accessibility features are coming that are intended to benefit everyone. In total, Apple revealed 20 new accessibility features. Here's the complete list of new features coming to Apple devices later this year: This update will highlight accessibility features within apps and games on the App Store. While Apple can bake tons of accessibility features into the operating system, the company can't control what third-party app developers do with their apps. With this update, Apple can show users whether apps accommodate their specific needs. "These labels will give people with disabilities a new way to easily make more informed decisions and make purchases with a new level of confidence," Eric Bridges, the president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, said. Magnifier is one of the most popular accessibility features on iPhone and iPad, and it's coming to Mac now. Apple says the feature will "make the physical world more accessible for users with low vision." It connects to the user's camera, including an iPhone with Continuity Camera or a USB camera, allowing them to zoom in on anything and see it on their Mac's display. This could be a game-changer for those with vision impairments, as a Mac has a larger screen to work with than a phone. Apple is changing braille on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Users can open any app by typing with Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device. For blind Apple users, this could open up a world of technology independence not previously available. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. With the new feature, users can take notes in braille format and perform calculations using Nemeth Braille. The feature will support Braille Ready Format (BRF) files directly in Braille Access. Apple's new Accessibility Reader is a system-wide reading mode designed to simplify text for users with a wide range of disabilities. Apple specifically cites users with dyslexia or low vision as candidates to use the new feature. The feature will let users customize text and focus on content they want to read with tweaks for font, color and spacing. It also adds support for Spoken Content. Apple says it can be launched from any app and is built into the Magnifier app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Apple is bringing Live Listen controls to Apple Watch with new features, including real-time Live Captions. An iPhone is still required to do the live captions, users can view the results on their Apple Watch, giving them an easy way to follow along with a conversation without holding their phone. This is one of the more useful features for anyone who's hard-of-hearing or deaf. Apple cites that Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there's no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class, which sounds more convenient. This looks incredible, but it's only available to the relatively limited pool of Apple Vision Pro owners. With a new update to Zoom, you can use Apple Vision Pro to magnify anything in view. VoiceOver is getting improvements, too. Live Recognition in visionOS uses on-device machine learning to describe surroundings, find objects, read documents and perform other tasks. These features sound like something straight out of the future and might make the Vision Pro a worthwhile purchase for people with specific disabilities. This feature is built for people who risk losing their ability to speak. It uses on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence to create a smoother, more natural-sounding voice so they can continue communicating with friends and loved ones. If you use a Mac while on the road and deal with motion sickness, this feature provides animated dots on the screen to help reduce the feeling of motion. Besides the feature coming to Mac, Apple is also adding new customization options for the dots on iPhone, iPad and Mac. This one is useful for people with vision impairments and anyone wanting to make their screen easier to read in the car. Like iPhone and iPad, which already have a large text option, you'll now be able to read more easily on CarPlay. Another cool feature is an update to Sound Recognition that lets it hear the sound of a crying baby along with the previously supported sounds.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Flexible Workplaces And Comprehensive Hiring: A Strategic Advantage
In today's evolving work environment, flexibility has become a cornerstone of successful business strategies. Implementing flexible work practices not only supports employees with health needs but also enables companies to tap into a broader pool of skilled candidates. Hiring individuals with disabilities offers substantial business advantages, particularly through programs like the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program (TTW). This Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) initiative supports former workers seeking to re-enter the workforce by providing a structured path that safeguards benefits, allows supported work trials and promotes long-term employment success. Business and Financial Benefits Employers who prioritize comprehensive hiring gain access to a largely untapped pool of skilled candidates offering a competitive advantage. Comprehensive hiring is a thorough approach to recruiting that considers all aspects of finding, evaluating and selecting the best candidates to meet an organization's current and future staffing needs. Individuals with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities that can enhance innovation and productivity within teams according to the American Foundation for the Blind. Research indicates that employees with disabilities tend to have higher retention rates, leading to reduced turnover and lower recruitment costs. Their resilience and dedication can positively impact overall team performance. Companies that lead in disability inclusion report higher revenue and net income compared to their peers. A study by Accenture revealed that such organizations achieved, on average, 28% higher revenue and 30% greater profit margins. Tax Incentives Employers may be eligible for federal tax credits when hiring individuals with disabilities, always consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility for these credits and deductions. Workplace Culture Enhancements A well-rounded workforce fosters creativity and innovation. Employees with disabilities bring distinct perspectives that can lead to breakthrough solutions and services. Workplaces that offer supportive environments and cultivate mutual respect often experience stronger employee engagement and morale, contributing to a healthier sustainable organizational culture and greater job satisfaction. Additionally, employees with disabilities frequently demonstrate a heightened awareness of workplace safety, which can result in fewer accidents and lower associated costs. Companies that actively reflect the breadth of their customer base through thoughtful hiring practices are better positioned to build trust with consumers, particularly within the disability community—a substantial and often underserved market segment. Organizations recognized for equitable practices are viewed more favorably by customers, job seekers, and investors, helping to attract top talent and drive long-term loyalty. Considering Returning To Work For individuals receiving disability benefits, deciding whether to return to work is a highly personal choice that often involves a range of practical and emotional considerations. Taking time to assess stability—both in terms of health and day-to-day functioning—can help inform the decision. Reflecting on questions such as, 'Am I able to manage a consistent routine?' or 'Do I feel ready to take on new responsibilities?' may provide helpful insights. It may also be beneficial to speak with a trusted medical professional, benefits counselor or employment advisor to explore available options, supports and protections. Returning to work is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and understanding one's own readiness is a meaningful part of the process. For those who determine they are ready to explore employment opportunities, several programs exist to support a successful transition back to work. The Ticket To Work Program The SSA's Ticket to Work Program offers a pathway for individuals receiving SSDI benefits to re-enter the workforce. For employers, this program provides access to a motivated talent pool and offers several advantages: In my experience, returning to work while receiving disability benefits is a deeply personal decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. Taking time to assess your readiness, both physically and emotionally can make a meaningful difference. There's no single path forward, but with the right support and guidance, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your well-being and goals. To begin exploring the Ticket to Work Program, individuals currently receiving SSDI can contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or visit the official website at The program connects participants with Employment Networks (ENs) or state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies that provide personalized support, such as resume assistance, interview preparation, benefits counseling and job placement services. There is no cost to participate, and individuals can choose the provider that best aligns with their goals. Taking the first step toward employment through Ticket to Work can help individuals explore opportunities at their own pace, with safeguards in place to support a gradual and informed return to the workforce. Adopting flexible work practices and broadening hiring approaches can serve as forward-thinking strategies that strengthen workforce performance and organizational resilience. Employers who recognize and act on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities position themselves for enhanced innovation, financial performance and a positive workplace culture. Programs like Ticket to Work provide valuable support in this effort, making the path to broader workforce participation both practical and rewarding.
