Apple announced seven new accessibility features on May 19, 2026, powered by Apple Intelligence. The features address navigation barriers for blind and low-vision users, add automatic captioning for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, and enable eye-tracking wheelchair control via Vision Pro. The announcement comes ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day's 15th anniversary on May 21.

VoiceOver Image Explorer and Natural Language Voice Control

VoiceOver's new Image Explorer uses Apple Intelligence to generate detailed descriptions of photos, bills, and personal records. Users can press the iPhone Action button to ask questions about what the camera sees, with natural language follow-up supported.

Voice Control adds "say what you see" navigation: users can control apps without memorizing exact button labels. Commands like "tap the purple folder" or "tap the guide about best restaurants" work across iPhone and iPad. The feature launches in English for the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.

Magnifier gains voice controls for zoom, flashlight activation, and other functions previously requiring manual input.

Accessibility Reader for Complex Documents

Accessibility Reader handles multi-column layouts, scientific articles, and documents with tables and images. It provides on-demand summaries and built-in translation while preserving formatting. The feature is designed for users with dyslexia and low vision who struggle with dense or poorly formatted text.

Apple confirmed the reader will be available on Mac and other platforms but didn't specify a timeline.

Generated Subtitles Across All Platforms

Apple will automatically transcribe spoken audio in uncaptioned videos. The feature processes everything on-device for privacy and works across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Vision Pro. It launches in English for users in the U.S. and Canada.

Families who rely on captions to access educational videos, streaming content, or social media now have a system-wide solution that doesn't depend on content creators adding subtitles manually.

Vision Pro Eye-Tracking for Power Wheelchair Control

Vision Pro's eye-tracking system can now control power wheelchairs for users who can't operate a joystick. The feature launches with Tolt and LUCI alternative drive systems in the U.S., supporting both Bluetooth and wired connections.

Pat Dolan, an ALS advocate, said in Apple's announcement: "The option to control my power wheelchair on my own is gold to me. With this new feature, Apple is developing life-enhancing technology for the people who need it most."

Blair Casey, CEO of Team Gleason, added: "Over the past decade, we've seen eye-driven wheelchair systems evolve in incredible ways. Leveraging Apple Vision Pro's eye-tracking capabilities in this way is a huge step forward."

The feature requires Vision Pro and a compatible wheelchair system, currently limited to Tolt and LUCI in the U.S.

Hikawa Grip & Stand Available Now

Apple released the Hikawa Grip & Stand, an adaptive MagSafe accessory designed by LA-based designer Bailey Hikawa. The stand is now available in three colors on Apple Store online and in 20 retail markets. PopSockets produces the accessory.

The Grip & Stand was designed with accessibility at the core, not added as an afterthought. Families looking for adaptive iPhone mounting can buy it today.

What Families Can Do Now

• Check device compatibility: most features require recent iPhone, iPad, or Mac models. Vision Pro wheelchair control requires Vision Pro hardware and a compatible wheelchair system (Tolt or LUCI).
• Watch for software updates: Generated Subtitles, VoiceOver Image Explorer, and Voice Control natural language will roll out via system updates. Apple hasn't announced specific release dates.
• Buy the Hikawa Grip & Stand directly from the Apple Store if you need adaptive mounting for MagSafe-compatible iPhones.
• Review regional availability: Voice Control natural language and Generated Subtitles launch in English for limited markets initially (U.S., Canada, UK, Australia depending on the feature).

Additional Updates

Apple also announced:

• Dwell Control for Vision Pro: eye-based element selection without hand gestures
• Improved pairing for Made for iPhone hearing aids
• Larger text options for tvOS, supporting low-vision users on Apple TV
• Face gestures for Vision Pro navigation

Tim Cook stated in the announcement: "With Apple Intelligence, we are bringing powerful new capabilities into our accessibility features while maintaining our foundational commitment to privacy by design."

Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's VP of Accessibility, added: "With these updates, we're bringing new, intuitive options for input, exploration, and personalization, designed to protect users' privacy at every step."

The full announcement is available on Apple's Newsroom.