Apple launches new accessibility series for blind and deaf people

Apple's Magnifier tool lets users enlarge text on their Mac, part of the company's new accessibility suite - Photo: Apple

According to the Guardian , the new features, announced by Apple on the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 15), will be integrated for free and released by the end of 2025, including: live captioning (Live Listen), personal voice cloning, improved braille reader, magnifier tool for Mac.

New features to support people with disabilities

The Live Listen feature supports the hearing impaired by displaying live captions, converting speech to text in real time.

This feature is useful in many situations such as listening to lectures, watching videos or having daily conversations. When combined with AirPods Pro, Live Listen also improves sound quality, turning the headphones into simple hearing aids.

The personal voice cloning feature has also been significantly improved.

Users only need to read 10 sample sentences (instead of 150 sentences as before) to create their own simulated voice, with significantly faster time.

This voice will be encrypted and securely stored on the device or iCloud to prevent unauthorized use.

The Magnifier tool has also been upgraded on the Mac, allowing connection to the iPhone to magnify content from the screen or whiteboard in the classroom - with many customizations on brightness, color, and contrast for easier observation.

The Braille reader for the visually impaired has also been improved, allowing notes to be taken directly using the touchscreen or via a dedicated Braille device.

Additionally, it supports performing math operations using Nemeth code - a braille standard used in mathematics and science .

Want all users to be equal

Apple wants to "democratize technology", allowing anyone to have comprehensive access to applications and devices for a better experience - Photo: Apple

Notably, Apple is implementing “accessibility labels” for the first time on the App Store, forcing app developers to clearly list the accessibility features their apps support, such as VoiceOver, voice control, or large text.

The company hopes that this "accessibility label" will not only help users easily choose applications that suit their needs, but also encourage developers to pay more attention to integrating additional accessibility, expanding access to a variety of users.

Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of global accessibility policy, pledged that these features would be completely integrated into the operating system for free, in order to "democratize technology" and create fair access for everyone.

“We know that everyone has a different life experience and different accessibility needs. All of these features will be built into the device, at no additional cost,” Herrlinger said.

She also said that the company has been, is, and will continue to work closely with AI expert teams to ensure that the product is always updated with the most modern technology.

Accessibility expert Chris Edwards - a blind person and currently head of communications for Vision Australia - appreciates Apple's new move.

He particularly praised improvements such as live image reading and braille support, saying they would open a new page, making life easier and more convenient for users - especially students.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/apple-ra-mat-loat-tro-nang-moi-cho-nguoi-khiem-thi-va-khiem-thinh-20250519170223558.htm