Apple has just dropped a sneak peek at five groundbreaking accessibility features coming in iOS 19, and trust us—they’re game-changers. With WWDC just around the corner, these updates highlight Apple’s ongoing commitment to making its ecosystem more inclusive and user-friendly.
From new App Store labels that spotlight accessibility tools to a futuristic brain-computer interface, iOS 19 is gearing up to empower users of all abilities. Let’s dive into what these enhancements mean for you.
App Store Puts Accessibility Front and Center
First up, the App Store will now prominently display each app’s accessibility features right alongside privacy labels. You’ll see at a glance if an app supports VoiceOver, dark mode compatibility, closed captions, or other assistive technologies.
This increased transparency is designed to encourage developers to prioritize inclusive design. When you browse or search for apps, those with strong accessibility profiles will stand out, making it easier to find tools that match your needs.
Loupe App Makes Its Way to Mac
Good news for Mac users: the Loupe app is finally available on macOS. By positioning your iPhone camera behind your MacBook, Loupe turns into a super-zoom lens, perfect for reading fine print or spotting details across the room.
Even better, Loupe can convert handwriting into crisp digital text. Whether you’re in a lecture hall or scanning a scribbled note, this feature will help you zoom in on what matters most.
Vision Pro’s Live Recognition and Real-Time Zoom
Apple Vision Pro owners get some exciting upgrades too. The headset will gain a real-time zoom option, letting you magnify the world around you without lifting a finger. Paired with a Live Recognition feature, Vision Pro will narrate what’s in view, from objects to text.
Think of it as having a personal assistant describing everything you see. This tech mirrors Android XR’s Gemini Live but brings it into Apple’s polished, privacy-focused ecosystem.
Personal Voice: Easier and Quicker Than Ever
The much-celebrated Personal Voice feature is getting a major boost. Instead of recording 150 phrases, you’ll only need 10 to create a synthetic version of your own voice. This is huge for anyone facing speech challenges, letting you maintain a personal connection even if you lose the ability to talk.
Right now, the feature supports English, Spanish, and Chinese. Apple says more languages will follow, but those three will get you started on crafting a voice that sounds just like you.
Live Captions and Multilingual Transcriptions
Say goodbye to missed details—iOS 19 brings automatic captions in French and other major languages. Live captions will roll out system-wide, including for FaceTime calls and videos, making conversations more accessible than ever.
Plus, Live Listen (which streams audio from your iPhone to AirPods) will now display real-time subtitles. This combo of audio enhancement and visual text means you can follow along in noisy environments without missing a beat.
Mind-Controlled Interface with BCI
Ready for the future? Apple is adding support for the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) protocol to Switch Control. In simple terms, you’ll be able to navigate your iPhone, iPad, or Vision Pro using just your thoughts—no physical gestures required.
This revolutionary step can open doors for people with severe mobility limitations, offering a new level of independence. Imagine sending messages, scrolling feeds, or launching apps with your mind—Apple’s making it a reality.
