Sarah Herrlinger, Global Head of Accessibility at Apple, used Web Summit Lisbon 2024 to highlight the crucial role of artificial intelligence in improving the accessibility of technologies. A commitment that goes back almost 40 years for the Cupertino company.
AI as the new frontier of accessibility
Since the creation of its first team dedicated to accessibility in 1985, Apple has continued to innovate in this area. The company considers accessibility to be a fundamental human right and a true driver of innovation. This vision translates into the native integration of accessibility features throughout its ecosystem, thus avoiding the need for third-party solutions for users with disabilities. Additionally, Apple’s approach directly integrates accessibility features into its hardware and software, creating a cohesive ecosystem that allows users to easily move from one device to another.
Artificial intelligence now plays a central role in Apple’s accessibility innovations. Major advances include Eye Tracking, which allows devices to be controlled with just the eyes, and Sound Recognition, which helps people with hearing loss identify important sounds like alarms or doorbells. With improvements to Siri via Apple Intelligence, hands-free use of Apple devices should become even more intuitive.
Innovations that benefit everyone
Apple’s approach to accessibility goes beyond disability. The AssistiveTouch function of the Apple Watch, initially designed for people with reduced mobility, has been extended to all users with the Double Tap gesture since the Watch Series 9. Likewise, the latest update of the AirPods Pro 2 integrates clinical-grade hearing features, demonstrating how accessibility innovations can benefit all users “while combating social stigma”.
This inclusive vision of technology confirms Apple’s commitment to creating products that adapt to the unique needs of each user, whether they have a disability or not.
