Apple has unveiled a sweeping set of accessibility features across its devices, including a bold step into brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The company is collaborating with Synchron, a neurotech firm, to enable users with severe physical disabilities to control Apple devices using neural signals from brain implants.
This initiative aims to assist individuals with conditions like ALS or spinal cord injuries, who may be unable to use traditional input methods. By integrating Synchron’s Stentrode implant with Apple’s Switch Control feature, users can navigate devices such as iPhones, iPads, and the Vision Pro headset through thought-based icon selection. While current functionality is limited to basic navigation, this development marks a significant step toward more inclusive technology.
In addition to BCI support, Apple is introducing Accessibility Nutrition Labels on the App Store. These labels will inform users about an app’s compatibility with features like VoiceOver, adjustable contrast, and captions, aiding those with visual or hearing impairments in selecting suitable applications.
Further enhancements include the expansion of the Magnifier app to Mac, allowing users to zoom in on their surroundings using USB or iPhone cameras. The Vision Pro headset will gain improved zoom capabilities and real-time recognition features, enhancing usability for individuals with low vision.
Apple’s Personal Voice feature, which enables users at risk of losing their ability to speak to create a personalized synthetic voice, will now support Spanish and reduce the setup time to under a minute.
These updates are scheduled for release later this year, reflecting Apple’s ongoing commitment to making its technology more accessible to users with diverse needs.
