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Apple Adds Door Detection for the Blind and Visually Impaired to iPhone

Published

1 year ago

May 18, 2022

Catherine Xavier

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Apple Adds Door Detection for the Blind –

Apple has announced new accessibility features for the iPhone for people with visual impairments and the deaf and hard of hearing. For example, the devices receive door detection, with which people with reduced or no visibility are guided to a door.

The feature works with the cameras of recent iPhones and iPads. If blind and visually impaired people come to a place they have not been before, they can use the feature to find the door of a building. With the option, they are told how far they still have to walk to the door.

The function also tells them whether the door is open or closed. When the door is closed, it is explained how to open it, for example with a latch or a button. In addition, the software can read symbols and texts on the door, allowing the phone to read aloud or the person has to push or pull.

Apple is also adding a new feature for the deaf and hard of hearing. Live subtitles convert audio into text. For example, users can have FaceTime and phone calls subtitled. The feature will get a beta version later this year and will initially only work in English.

Apple Watch control via iPhone

Furthermore, Apple Watch Mirroring has been announced. The option makes it easier for people with physical or motor disabilities to operate an Apple Watch (Series 6 or later).

That then works via the pairing with an iPhone, whose accessibility options can be used to control the Watch. This includes voice and main control. People can also use simpler hand movements to perform actions.

Exactly when the features will be added is not known.