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…
We are pleased to announce the results of the fourth annual AppleVis Golden Apple Awards.
Since their launch in 2012, the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards have afforded blind and low vision users an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making great and accessible iOS and OS X applications during the given year.
To be shortlisted for this year's Golden Apple Awards, apps must:
AppleInsider is reporting on claims coming out of Japan that the Apple Store will begin selling accessibility-related peripherals and accessories for OS X and iOS devices in early 2016.
According to this report, there is no information on what actual products will be featured:
It is not yet clear what products or product categories…
We are pleased and excited to announce that voting for the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards of 2015 is now open. Read on to see which apps and developers have been shortlisted and to cast your own votes.
The AppleVis Golden Apple Awards is our community's opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making great and accessible iOS and OS X applications over the last twelve months.
To be eligible for consideration for the…
Apple has today released tvOS 9.1 for the fourth-generation Apple TV.
According to AppleInsider, tvOS 9.1 adds support for Siri searches in the Apple Music service and support for Apple's official Remote app both on iOS devices as well as the…
Apple has today released watchOS 2.1 for the Apple Watch. This update brings bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements, as well as language support for Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Malay, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
According to AppleInsider, this release includes:
- Adds support for Right-to-Left user interface…
Apple has today released iOS 9.2, bringing with it some new features and improvements across the operating system.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has made significant progress towards addressing the accessibility-related bugs present in iOS 9.1.
As always at this point, it is worth noting that our testing of iOS 9.2 has been limited and that it is impossible for us to test all devices, apps, and use cases.…
Apple has today released OS X El Capitan 10.11.2, bringing with it a series of bug fixes and improvements.
According to Apple's release notes via MacRumors, this update improves the stability, compatibility and security of your Mac and includes the following changes:
- Improves Wi-Fi reliability
- Improves the reliability of Handoff and AirDrop
- Fixes an…
In reply to a question from us on Twitter, it’s been confirmed that active development will cease on all of the current audio games from Somethin’ Else and not just Papa Sangre.
It’s been announced on Twitter that Papa Sangre, the…
Welcome to the November 2015 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
It seems so surreal. I am in an airport. I need to go to the public restroom. I find the serpentine tiled entrance to the enclave and I work my guide dog inside. It is vacuous and sounds reflect from every direction off the hard tile walls and floor. I have no idea where the porcelain fixtures are located. I am not even sure if I am in the right bathroom. I move slowly, reaching out, hoping that I do not touch something wet or, worse, the back of someone's neck. Even if I accomplish my…
Welcome to the October 2015 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, our monthly series which aims to highlight what's new and noteworthy in the accessible app landscape. Below, you'll find a recap of the best content posted to AppleVis - from new app entries, to app updates, to podcasts and blogs. For easier navigation, the major sections of this post are at heading level 3, and each individual item is at heading level 4.
For years now, there have been rumblings that Apple may do away with a physical Home button in the next iPhone. So far, of course, this hasn't happened--that small circle has remained in place, and even been made to double as a fingerprint reader. For most users, this is just as well; the thought of an iPhone with no Home button causes discomfort and an immediate, negative reaction. As I sometimes like to do, such as with my…
10 more tips for users of Braille displays on iDevices
Two years have passed since my original 10 Tips for Braille Users of iDevices article was published, and many changes have happened since that time. There were also a few more helpful tips I didn't pass along due to Space constraints. So, I've decided it was time for another list, given that we’…
Apple has today released OS X El Capitan 10.11.1, bringing with it a series of bug fixes and improvements—including a fix for Microsoft Office 2016 compatibility.
According to AppleInsider, this update improves the stability, compatibility, and security of a user's Mac.
Specific changes made in OS X 10.11.1, according…
Apple has today released watchOS 2.0.1.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has addressed a bug where the on/off status of alarms was not spoken by VoiceOver; changing the text input language when replying is also now accessible.
Unlike iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1, there were no pre-release betas of watchOS 2.0.1 issued to developers. Thus, if additional accessibility changes are identified, we will update this post accordingly.
Besides the accessibility improvements…
Apple has today released iOS 9.1, bringing with it some new features and improvements across the operating system.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has made some progress towards addressing the accessibility bugs still present in iOS 9.0.2.
At this point, it is worth noting that our testing of iOS 9.1 has been somewhat limited. While a majority of our editorial team has been using iOS 9.1 since September, it is…
If you have read any of my previous posts about the Apple Watch, you will know that it’s been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. From not seeing what it could offer me; to getting caught up in the hype; hitting the pre-order line; only to then return the Watch for a refund; to…
Apple has today updated its Pages, Keynote, and Numbers apps for iOS and Mac, bringing with them a number of significant accessibility improvements for VoiceOver users.
In Pages, Numbers and Keynote, VoiceOver users can now read relevant text formatting details including font name and font size while editing. It is now much easier for VoiceOver users to add, remove, rearrange rows, columns, add and review comments, edit chart data and chart elements, get table header information,…
Twenty years ago, my seven year old son and I were sitting on the stairs in our house. Curious what he might say, I turned to my child and asked, "Richard, why do you love me so much?"
My son pondered for a few moments, and then thoughtfully replied, "I guess I'm getting used to you."
We love our children, significant others, friends, pets, and guide dogs. But, some of us are a bit nerdy. We also love our toys.
College in the 1970s was a great environment to discover…