Alongside the release of iOS 11.4 and updated HomePod software, Apple has today released software updates for the Apple TV and Apple Watch.
According to MacRumors, tvOS 11.4 includes the following changes:
Apple
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Apple has today released watchOS 4, describing it as:
A smarter coach and workout partner. Better in tune with your taste in music. And an even more proactive all-day assistant. With watchOS 4, Apple Watch is dialed in to you like never before.
Below are some of the highlights of what watchOS 4 will bring to your wrist.
The New Features That We Think You Will Like
Siri Gets its Own Watch Face
watchOS 4 brings a new watch face with Siri built-in.
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Apple has today released watchOS 5.1.2, bringing a new ECG app and irregular heart rate notifications for users of specific Apple Watch models in the United States.
Announcing the release of watchOS 5.1.2, apple said “the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notification feature will help users identify signs of AFib, the most common form of irregular rhythm.”
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Apple has today released watchOS 5, [saying that it will enable you to do “even more with your Apple Watch”:
Activity competitions with your friends. Brand-new workouts. Innovations to help you take your running further. And more intelligent, fun ways to keep you connected to the people and information you care about. With watchOS 5, you can do even more with your Apple Watch from your morning workout to lights out.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.3 and tvOS 14.4 to the public.
For low vision users, watchOs 7.3 brings a fix for an issue where Control Center and Notification Center may be unresponsive when Zoom is enabled.
At the time of posting, we are unaware of any additional fixes or changes for blind and low vision users in these releases. Likewise, we are unaware of any new bugs. If you discover any fixes, changes or regressions in your own use of the software, please let us know by adding a comment below.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.3.1 for Apple Watch Series 5 and SE, reportedly to fix an issue that prevented the watch from charging when in Power Reserve mode.
As watchOS 7.3.1 is only available to select models to address a specific issue, our expectation is that it does not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of this release, please post a comment with your findings.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.6 and tvOS 14.7. These appear to be relatively minor updates for single dot releases, focusing primarily on security fixes and under-the-hood performance improvements.
At the time of posting, we are unaware of any fixes, enhancements or regressions for blind and low vision users in these releases.
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Apple has today released watchOS 7.6.1, bringing a fix for a security issue that, according to Apple's security support document may have been actively exploited.
Impact: An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Apple is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
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Apple has today released watchOS 8.1.1. This appears to be an extremely minor update to fix a single issue with charging on the Series 7 Apple Watch.
Apple's release notes for watchOS 8.1.1 simply say:
watchOS 8.1.1 fixes an issue where Apple Watch Series 7 may not charge as expected for some users.
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Apple has today released watchOS 8.4.1 for Apple Watch Series 4 and later. We don't yet know what's included in the update, with Apple's release notes simply stating that it "includes bug fixes for Apple Watch Series 4 and later."
As this update is only available to select Apple Watch models, our expectation is that it does not contain any accessibility changes for blind and low vision users; however, if you notice any changes, improvements or regressions in your own use of this release, please post a comment with your findings.
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Apple has today released watchOS 8, mostly bringing iterative enhancements to existing features Rather than big changes.
According to Apple, “watchOS 8 helps you stay connected, active, and healthy like never before. Share your favorite memories with the enhanced Photos app. Put more fun into your texts. Find new ways to center yourself and be present. And that’s just the start.”
Here are the highlights according to Apple's release notes:.
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Apple has today released watchOS 9, mostly bringing iterative enhancements to existing features Rather than big changes.
Amongst the enhancements are new and revamped watch faces, new views and metrics for the Workout app, more data gathered by your watch when sleep tracking, and a new Medications app for keeping track of any medication that you take.
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Over the past few days, 9to5Mac and MacRumors have posted details of several iOS features that are reportedly in development at Apple.
Based upon findings in supposed unreleased iOS 14 code, one of these reports is of a new developer framework named VoiceProvider, which could let developers replace built-in speech voices on iOS with custom text-to-speech synthesizers.
Information on how this might be used is speculative, with MacRumors saying:
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Apple have just rolled out further accessibility improvements to the App Store in iOS 6.
Firstly, the rating of an app is now read by VoiceOver.
Secondly, the app screenshots now have a clear label for VoiceOver users.
Lastly, and this is a real nice one, when on the Search or Genius tabs you will now find a picker control that allows you to move quickly through the listed apps. As I said, this is really nice, and makes browsing search results quicker than it was in iOS 5.
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2016: Year of the Next Big and Small Things
Last year, I did a detailed round-up of Apple rumors for 2015. I had so much fun writing that post that I wanted to do it again this year, especially with all the exciting things (possibly) in the pipe. Here, then, is your 2016 Apple rumors round-up as of right now… Warning: there’s some really cool stuff in here that may cause you to drool uncontrollably. Got your napkins ready?
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In the latest versions of iOS and macOS, Apple introduced a new setting called “Accessibility Events” for users of assistive technology.
This new feature tells websites when an assistive technology, such as a screen reader, is being used by the site visitor, enabling developers to customize the behavior of the website accordingly. One example would be to ensure that any custom controls such as custom web sliders are accessible by users.
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Apple's commitment to accessibility has made life easier for large numbers of visually impaired and other disabled people. Gone are the days of buying a Nokia phone and having to send it away and wait weeks for Talks to be installed. We have devices that we can use immediately after buying, without installing an expensive screen reader. Our devices include accessibility settings to accommodate several different disabilities.
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To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), Apple stores all over the world will be hosting accessibility-related sessions on May 18, 2017—providing people with an opportunity to explore the built-in accessibility features of Apple products.
You can check here to see if your local Apple Store is participating. And, if so, book a place.
Apple will also be updating two of its curated App Store collections:
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As first reported by Blind Bargains, a member of Apple's Accessibility Team will be presenting a session at this year's American Council of the Blind (ACB) Conference and Convention.
The session, entitled "Accessibility and Apple," will take place on July 7, 2015, from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. According to a statement provided to AppleVis, the session will focus on how the accessibility features in Apple's products (including the Apple Watch) can assist in and transform one's life:
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Apple will soon be receiving another award for the accessibility features in its products.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has today announced that Apple will be receiving the Robert S. Bray Award for the company's continued innovations in accessibility.
"The American Council of the Blind applauds Apple for its innovative approach to product accessibility, giving people who are blind equal access to mainstream technology," said Kim Charlson, ACB president.