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.
For blind web users, this should…
A new feature for VoiceOver users called "Accessibility Events" was introduced in iOS 12.2 and macOS 10.14.4 without any announcement or documentation. I cannot find any info about this feature on Apple's website. Even the installed Help files say nothing about it, so far. The only information given is a short description label in the Mac Preferences and IOS settings, shown below. To the best of my knowledge, which is quite limited at this time, leaving it turned on allows webmasters and…
Welcome to the March 2019 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you'll find a selection of the best content posted to AppleVis by members of the community - from new app entries, to app updates, to the latest news and podcasts. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
Apple has today released watchOS 5.2 to the public, bringing the ECG feature to Hong Kong and Europe and adding support for Air Pods 2.
At the time of posting, we do not believe watchOS 5.2 contains any accessibility improvements for blind and low vision users. This is incredibly disappointing, especially as we are nearing what has historically been the end of the current software release life-cycle - and there are still issues with VoiceOver, such as it not speaking certain…
Apple’s major “It’s show time” event was held today at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino; here’s our summary of the highlights.
Having made a number of hardware announcements last week via press releases, it came as no surprise that Apple's focus for this event was new and upcoming services rather than new or updated hardware. There's a new TV and movie streaming service featuring original content commissioned by Apple; an updated TV app that better integrates third-party services; a…
Today has seen another round of software updates from Apple. In addition to iOS 12.2, Apple has released macOS Mojave 10.14.4, tvOS 12.2, and version 12.2 of the HomePod software.
At the time of posting, we are unaware of any changes for blind and low vision users in these releases.
It is particularly disappointing that we are once again…
Apple has today released iOS 12.2 to the public, following its event that saw the launches of new video, news, and gaming services, and a new Apple credit card.
In addition to some new features and enhancements, iOS 12.2 brings one fix for braille users.
When placing a Real-Time Text (RTT) call, the display will automatically refresh to show text typed by the other party.…
Apple has today launched the second generation of its popular AirPods, available with the long-promised wireless charging case, a new H1 chip designed specifically for headsets, hands-free “Hey Siri”, longer battery life, and faster connections to devices.
According to Apple, the new H1 chip delivers performance efficiencies, faster connect times, up to 50% more talk time compared to the…
Ahead of next week's “It's show time” event, Apple has today announced updates to its iPad line - there's a new 10.5-inch iPad Air, and a long overdue update for the iPad mini.
The new iPad Air has a 10.5-inch display and features the A12 Bionic chip found in the iPhone XS and XR. And, as…
Apple has today invited the press to a special event on March 25 at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino.
Apple officially announced the event with the tagline “It’s show time”, which would appear to confirm that the rumours are correct, and that the focus of the event will be on Apple's long-anticipated original content video service.
In it's round-up of what's already known about the video service,…
Welcome to the February 2019 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you'll find a selection of the best content posted to AppleVis by members of the community - from new app entries, to app updates, to the latest news and podcasts. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
Apple has today released iOS 12.1.4 and an updated version of macOS Mojave 10.14.3 to the public. These releases address a recently discovered bug with the group messaging feature of FaceTime that allowed a user to hear the audio of the person they are calling before the receiving party accepted the call.
The Verge reports that this bug may have been introduced…
Welcome to the January 2019 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you'll find a selection of the best content posted to AppleVis by members of the community - from new app entries, to app updates, to the latest news and podcasts. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
Apple has today launched a partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) that will bring its accessible coding programme to blind and low vision students in the United Kingdom.
The program was initially launched in May 2018, when Apple announced…
Today has seen another round of software updates from Apple. In addition to iOS 12.1.3, Apple has released macOS Mojave 10.14.3, watchOS 5.1.3, and tvOS 12.2.1.
According to MacRumors , no new features or changes were found in the beta cycles of either macOS 10…
Apple has today released iOS 12.1.3 to the public, bringing fixes for multiple bugs affecting iPad Pro, HomePod, CarPlay, and more.
According to [Apple's release notes via MacRumors, iOS 12.1.3 contains
- Fixes an issue in Messages that could impact scrolling through photos in the Details view
- Addresses an issue where photos could have striped artifacts…
This post is intended for intermediate to advanced Mac users. You should have a good working knowledge of installing Mac operating systems and experience with external drives, as well as being comfortable with VoiceOver or your preferred adaptive interface. It is not intended for beginners. That being said, the processes below are pretty straight forward. VoiceOver works well throughout most of it, with only a few questionable areas.…
I'm basically lazy. If technology exists that lets me spend more time sitting on my butt, I'm all over it. I control my thermostat with an app, use Google Hangouts for virtual meetings, and don't remember the last time I walked to a mailbox—that's why God invented email.
Aside from the thermostat, I've yet to jump into the smart home craze. This is…
Welcome to the December 2018 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy on the AppleVis website. Below, you'll find a selection of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to the latest news and podcasts. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
On my first time with VoiceOver, VO gave to me,
a way to pause, with Control key.
On my second time with VoiceOver, VO gave to me,
two modifiers, and a way to pause, with Control key.
On my third time with VoiceOver, VO gave to me,
three tab keys waiting, two modifiers, and a way to pause, with Control key.
On my fourth time with VoiceOver, VO gave to me,
four fun Commanders, three tab keys waiting, two…