Apple Unveils AI Accessibility Features Across Devices
Apple previewed a broad set of accessibility updates powered by Apple Intelligence ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 21. The features will arrive later this year through iOS 27 and related operating system updates expected at WWDC 2026 in June.
The announcement marks Apple’s largest integration of AI into accessibility tools so far. Moreover, the company continues to focus on assistive technologies across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro.
Voice and Vision Tools Gain AI Features
Voice Control now supports conversational commands instead of requiring exact labels and memorized phrases. Consequently, users can interact with apps using more natural descriptions of onscreen content.
VoiceOver and Magnifier also received major AI-powered enhancements for users who are blind or have low vision. A new Image Explorer feature generates detailed descriptions of photos, documents, and visual content across the operating system. Additionally, iPhone users can ask follow-up questions about live camera views through the Action button.
Apple also introduced generated subtitles for videos without captions. The system creates private, on-device transcriptions for personal recordings and shared video clips using built-in speech recognition technology.
Vision Pro Adds Wheelchair Navigation Support
Apple expanded accessibility support inside Apple Vision Pro with a new eye-controlled wheelchair navigation feature. The system uses the headset’s eye-tracking technology to help users steer compatible wheelchairs without traditional joystick controls.
Initially, the feature will support Tolt and LUCI alternative drive systems in the United States. Furthermore, the platform works through both Bluetooth and wired connections.
The accessibility preview arrives ahead of WWDC 2026, which runs from June 8 through June 12. During the event, Apple is expected to formally introduce iOS 27 alongside updates to macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
