News > Smart & Connected Life Apple Unveils New Accessibility Features Several Apple products will become more inclusive By Joshua Hawkins Joshua Hawkins Twitter Freelance Technology Reporter Full Sail University Josh Hawkins is a freelance writer for Lifewire who loves writing about the latest tech and gadgets that help make people’s lives easier. As an avid gamer and VR enthusiast, he also enjoys diving deep into the technology that helps bring those kinds of experiences to life. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 19, 2021 05:14PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Twitter University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Apple has revealed several new accessibility features coming to iOS this year, including a sign language service called SignTime. Apple announced the updates on Wednesday, revealing plans to bring eye-tracking support to iPads, image support for VoiceOver, and made-for-iPhone hearing aids and audiogram support. The company also plans to incorporate background sounds into iOS to help minimize distractions for many users. Apple "At Apple, we’ve long felt that the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make," Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives, said in a press release. "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." One of the biggest additions coming is SignTime, a service designed to let users connect seamlessly with sign-language interpreters. SignTime will launch on Thursday, allowing both consumers and Apple Support specialists to connect with interpreters as needed. Additionally, sound actions for Switch Control, new display and text-size settings, and more inclusive Memoji customizations are on the list of updates planned to come in the future. "At Apple, we’ve long felt that the world’s best technology should respond to everyone’s needs, and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make." Apple Watch is also slated to receive AssistiveTouch, which is designed to allow users with upper body limb differences to enjoy all of the benefits that come with owning an Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display. Built-in motion sensors will allow users to navigate their Apple Watch using a cursor that appears on the screen. Finally, Apple has a number of accessibility features planned for Apple Fitness+, which it says should make it easier for users with disabilities to navigate the service and take advantage of the fitness courses that it has to offer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up! Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit