With built-in accessibility features, accessibility APIs, and developer tools, iOS provides an extraordinary opportunity to deliver a superior mobile experience to every customer, including those with special needs. Award-winning features include VoiceOver — the revolutionary screen reader for blind and low vision users, Switch Control, playback of closed captioned or audio described video, Guided Access, Text to Speech, and more.
iOS lets users configure captions and audio descriptions during video playback. Use AVFoundation with built-in support for captioning and audio descriptions during the playback of media in your apps.
iOS offers a range of features to customize the display, including Bold Text, High Contrast Cursors, Reduce Transparency, Dark Mode, and Reduce Motion. Use UIAccessibility APIs to detect when these settings are enabled so that your app behaves correctly.
iOS devices can read selected text from your app out loud in over 30 languages, and you can adjust the voice’s dialect and speaking rate. The AVSpeechSynthesizer class produces synthesized speech from text on an iOS device, and provides methods for controlling or monitoring the progress of ongoing speech.
VoiceOver is a screen reader that interacts with objects in your apps so users can drive the interface even if they can’t see it. Ensure that the user interface elements in your apps are accessible and useful.
Guided Access helps people with autism or other attention and sensory challenges stay focused on the task at hand. A parent, teacher, or therapist can limit an iOS device to stay on one app by disabling the Home button, and even restrict touch input on certain areas of the screen. Implementing the Guided Access protocol in your apps allows you to specify which portions of your apps are functional depending on the user’s need. Caregivers will be able to easily control access to sensitive areas, like Settings or Help, that can make it hard for students to remain focused.
