Apple Announces Updates Across iOS, WatchOS and iPadOS For Disabled Persons

In order to make its technology available to the persons with physical disabilities, Apple has announced software updates on Apple Watch and iPad.

To help people with mobility, vision, hearing and cognitive disabilities, Apple has announced powerful accessibility software updates across iOS, watchOS and iPadOS, including a new SignTime service to connect Apple Store and Apple Support customers with on-demand sign language interpreters.

The SignTime service will be initially available at Apple Store locations in the US, the UK and France. However, it will be available to the users across the globe after a while.

The people with limb differences will be able to navigate Apple Watch using Assistive Touch.

The iPad will also support third-party eye-tracking hardware for easier control and for blind and low-vision communities and Apple’s ‘VoiceOver’ screen reader will get even smarter using on-device intelligence to explore objects within images, the company said in a statement late on Wednesday.

“With these new features, we’re pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people — and we can’t wait to share them with our users,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives.

Also read: OnePlus 9R OxygenOS 11.2.1.2 Update Is Available For Users In India

In order to make the technology accessible for those who have a partial hearing disability or hard on hearing, Apple is introducing new background sounds to help minimise distractions.

Assistive Touch for watchOS allows users with upper body limb differences to enjoy the benefits of Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display or controls.

Using built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer, along with the optical heart rate sensor and on-device machine learning, Apple Watch can detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity, which lets users navigate a cursor on the display through a series of hand gestures, like a pinch or a clench.
“iPadOS will support third-party eye-tracking devices, making it possible for people to control iPad using just their eyes,” Apple said.

Later this year, compatible MFi (Made for iPhone) devices will track where a person is looking onscreen and the pointer will move to follow the person’s gaze, while extended eye contact performs an action, like a tap, the company added.

(With inputs from IANS)