Last week, it was reported that Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s global head of accessibility, delivered a speech at the Web Summit in Lisbon 2024. During her talk, she addressed the initiatives Apple has taken to enhance device usability for everyone and emphasized the role of AI in assisting individuals with disabilities.
Apple and Accessibility
According to iFeed.pt, Herrlinger pointed out that Apple has maintained a dedicated accessibility team since 1985. The company’s mission since then has been to ensure accessibility is regarded as “a human right,” as it believes this approach fosters innovation.
At the Web Summit, she illustrated how AI can significantly enhance the lives of those with disabilities. For instance, features like Eye Tracking allow users to operate their devices solely with their eyes, while Sound Recognition assists individuals with hearing impairments in detecting various sounds, such as alarms and doorbells.
Moreover, advancements coming to Siri with Apple Intelligence are set to make hands-free use of Apple devices even more seamless.
Another important feature highlighted by Herrlinger is the AssistiveTouch on the Apple Watch, enabling users to control their watch via hand gestures. This feature has progressed to a point where users with a Series 9 or later can engage with the interface using the Double Tap gesture, all without having to touch the screen.
For Herrlinger, Apple’s vision extends to using accessibility in its products as a means to combat social stigma. A notable example is the recent update to AirPods Pro 2, which provides users access to clinical-grade hearing health functionalities through their earbuds.
For more information about Apple’s accessibility features, visit their dedicated webpage.
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