Accessibility after burners from WWDC25 for the blind!
admin
Hey Apple fans! WWDC25 was a whirlwind of new announcements, and if you’re like the PASS blog team, you’re probably wondering what all the buzz means for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. We saw some pretty big changes, from a fresh new look across our devices to smarter AI that aims to make our accessible tech lives easier. Let’s dive into the highlights, keeping an eye on how these updates impact everyone, especially our blind and low vision community.
First up, the accessibility spotlight shone brightly on some fantastic features. For those with low vision, the Magnifier app is finally coming to Mac! Imagine holding up a document to your Mac’s camera and being able to zoom in super close, just like you do on your iPhone. Plus, Braille Access is getting a major upgrade across all your Apple gadgets, making it easier than ever to jot down notes, do quick math, and even see live captions on your braille display. And get this: a new Accessibility Reader will let you customize how you see text everywhere – change fonts, colors, spacing, and even have it read aloud. These aren’t just minor tweaks; they’re genuine leaps forward in making Apple devices more accessible and intuitive for daily use.
Now, let’s talk about their future of digital vision. Apple unveiled a brand-new visual style called “Liquid Glass.” It’s all about translucent, flowing elements, which looks dope, but it’s also prompted some questions. Will this “liquid” design be as clear and easy to see for everyone, especially those with certain visual needs? It’s something we’ll be keeping a close eye on. Then there’s Apple Intelligence, their new AI system. While it promises to make Siri smarter and help with tasks like summarizing emails, some experts are comparing it to other AI models like Gemini, wondering how much it will really change our everyday lives. Things like “hold assist” for calls, live translation, and even workout AI on Apple Watch were discussed, and it’s exciting to see what they can do.
In short, WWDC25 brought a mix of genuinely exciting advancements and a few “wait and see” moments. The commitment to accessibility is clear, and for our blind and low vision users, these dedicated features are a huge win, promising even more independence and seamless interaction with their devices. Rest assured, the journey towards making technology truly accessible for everyone is an ongoing one, and we can expect even more incredible strides in the future.
