Apple wants to make it easier for users to familiarize themselves with the company's accessibility features and how they can better customize their iPhones, Macs, and other devices to suit their needs. The gadget maker launched a redesign of its accessibility website, Apple.com/accessibility, on Wednesday to highlight its various offerings.
The new website is divided into four areas: vision, mobility, hearing and recognition. It contains tips on dozens of features Apple has developed for its various devices. Along with the revamped website, Apple Support is posting a new collection of videos on its YouTube channel showing how to use some of the company's latest accessibility features.
These include offers such as the Apple Magnifier function, which is designed to make it easier for people with visual impairments to see objects with their iPhones. The Tap Back feature is a quick and easy way to trigger actions or accessibility shortcuts with a double or triple tap on the back of the phone. And Voice control This feature allows users with severe physical engine limitations to fully control their Macs, iPhones or iPads with their voices.
The latest in accessibility from Apple The function for blind or visually impaired users is person recognition on the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 per max. It uses the new Lidar sensor On the back of the phones, you can tell how close other people are to users, and those users can avoid others in a grocery store, for example.
The Apple website redesign comes when the world grapples with the novel Coronavirus pandemicthat infected more than 64 million people and killed nearly 1.5 million. Some people with disabilities may be at greater risk of getting sick, but they are also dealing with lock-related issues. People cannot go to their normal therapy sessions or meet with their special education teachers. They may feel isolated or not have the services they usually need. Their caregivers, many of whom work full-time from home, also become teachers for their children, whether they are qualified or not.
Technology could be a way to help people with disabilities during the pandemic. Historically, people with special needs had to spend thousands of dollars on technology that would magnify their computer screens, speak navigation instructions, identify their money, and recognize the color of their clothes. Nowadays, users only need smartphones, computers and a handful of apps and accessories to get through their physical and online world.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that a quarter of Americans live with a disability. The redesign of the Apple website coincides with International Day of People with Disabilities on Wednesday.
Apple has focused on accessibility for decades. The technology includes functions that enable visually impaired people to navigate the iPhone's touchscreen and enable people with motor impairments to virtually tap the icons in the user interface. Four years ago, Apple kicked off one of its eye-catching product launches by talking about accessibility and showing off its new, dedicated website.
The website's launch in 2016 was an attempt by Apple to focus more on how people with special needs use its technology rather than just highlighting the features themselves. "Technology should be accessible to everyone," said Apple CEO Tim Cook at the time.
In May of this year, Apple launched a dedicated Apple Care support team for people with disabilities. The educational discount has also been extended to teachers, staff, and homeschoolers who work with students of all grade levels enrolled in their school for special education or auxiliary services.
And this year Apple has highlighted accessible apps in the App Store and presented video tutorials on its YouTube page. Before harvesting new videos on Wednesday, Apple had more than 20 guides on accessibility features.
