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.
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.
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.
Apple has today released watchOS 7, bringing a new Sleep app, new watch faces, the ability to use more than one complication from an app on the same face, face configuration sharing, handwashing tracking, Family Setup, and more.
Here are the highlights.
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of your health. With watchOS 7, Apple Watch now uses its accelerometer to notice the subtle movements associated with breathing and differentiate between sleeping and waking states.
Apple has today released watchOS 8.0.1. According to Apple, this update fixes two major bugs that had been affecting Apple Watch Series 3 users.
Here is what Apple says is fixed in todayâs release of watchOS 8.0.1:
This update includes improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch.
Apple has today released watchOS 8.1 and tvOS 15.1.
According to Apple's release notes, watchOS 8.1 includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
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.
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.
Apple has today released watchOS 8, mostly bringing iterative enhancements to existing features Rather than big changes.
According to Apple, âwatchOS 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 thatâs just the start.â
Here are the highlights according to Apple's release notes:.
Apple has today released watchOS 9.1 and tvOS 16.1 to the public.
According to the release notes, watchOS 9.1 Includes the following changes:
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.
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:
In the latest versions of iOS and macOS, Apple introduced a new setting called âAccessibility Eventsâ 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.
To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), Apple stores all over the world will be hosting accessibility-related sessions on May 18, 2017âproviding 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:
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:
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.
Apple has today been named as one of four recipients of the American Foundation For the Blindâs 2015 Helen Keller Achievement Award, according to a press release on the foundationâs website.
Specifically, Apple is being recognized for its implementation of the VoiceOver screen reader on iOS devices:
Apple today held an education-focused âLets take a Field Tripâ event in Chicago, during which it announced a new iPad and a range of new and updated tools for schools, teachers and students.
The main feature of the new 9.7-inch iPad is the fact that it's compatible with Apple Pencil, something that's previously only been available on the iPad Pro range, and is intended to enable students to ditch their notepad in favor of an iPad.
Apple today unveiled its next-generation iPad Pro lineup featuring the powerful new M4 chip, advanced Ultra Retina XDR display technology, and redesigned accessories including the Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard. The company also announced redesigned 11-inch and all-new 13-inch iPad Air models featuring Apple's M2 processor.
In recognition of World Sight Day and Blindness Awareness Month, Apple has today updated its Popular Apps Using VoiceOver App Store collection.