In iOS 26, Apple has once again demonstrated its commitment to making its devices more accessible, especially for users who are blind or deaf-blind. This update is a testament to the ongoing dialogue between the company and its users, incorporating both major feature overhauls and subtle but significant refinements based on user feedback. While the mainstream media has been buzzing about flashy new features like the much-hyped liquid glass on the latest iPhones, the true power of this update lies in the accessibility improvements that enhance the daily lives of millions.
The journey with iOS 26 has been a mixed bag of delightful discoveries and frustrating regressions, a common experience with major software updates. In my personal experience, the update has been a profound one. It's an update that reminds me of my deep connection with my iPhone 12, a device that has been a reliable companion. It's an upgrade that is about appreciating the thoughtfulness behind the accessibility features, even when they present new challenges.
Key Features from the Applevis Report
Based on the detailed review from Applevis, iOS 26 introduces a range of significant accessibility features. The What’s New in iOS 26 article highlights several of these key changes:
- Sharing Accessibility Settings: A new feature that allows users to temporarily share their accessibility settings between two devices running iOS 26 that are in the same location or signed into the same iCloud account.
- Accessibility Nutrition Labels: A new feature on the App Store that allows developers to list the accessibility features their app supports. While currently optional, it is expected to become a requirement in the future.
- VoiceOver Updates:
- Magic Tap Exclusion: An option to exclude media playback from the two-finger double-tap "Magic Tap" gesture.
- Reset VoiceOver Settings: A new option to reset only the VoiceOver settings to their factory defaults without resetting the entire device.
- Always Use Siri Sounds: A feature that provides a sound cue to let VoiceOver users know when Siri is listening.
- Cursor Output: The option for VoiceOver to speak the text to the right of the cursor.
- Copied Speech: A new rotor function that allows access to more than one instance of speech copied to the clipboard.
- Maps Feature: A three-finger single tap on a point of interest in Maps will now bring up more information.
- New Pan-Indian Voices: Gujarati and Marathi voices have been added.
- Custom Labels: The ability to modify or delete custom labels has been added under Verbosity settings.
- List Position Communication: New options to control how the position in a list is communicated (Speak, Braille, or Do Nothing).
- Braille Updates:
- Braille Access: A new suite of services for braille display users. It includes features like Launch App, Item Chooser, Braille Notes, and more.
- Braille Notes: A new notetaking application that works with braille displays and saves notes to iCloud.
- Item Overview: A new feature that displays the first few cells of each item on the screen to help users with single-line displays scan content.
- More Selection Options: New methods for selecting text using Cursor Routing Buttons.
- Other Accessibility Features:
- Sound and Name Recognition: A renamed option that allows users to record names or words for recognition, with an audio representation of what iOS will listen for.
- Music Haptics: New options to have the haptic pattern reflect only the vocal nuances of a track and to control the intensity.
- Live Listen Rewind: A new rewind feature for MFI-supported hearing aids.
- Live Listen Remote Control: The ability to use nearby devices, such as an Apple Watch, to control Live Listen sessions.
- Background Sounds: New sounds have been added, including airplane cabin noise, rain, night ambiance, and crackling fire.
My Personal Experience and Feedback to Apple Accessibility
Beyond the features mentioned on Applevis, my personal journey with iOS 26 has been a roller coaster. I've encountered a number of bugs and issues that I've been discussing with Apple Accessibility in my email conversations.
- Control Center and Navigation: I have noted that a search feature has been added to the Rotor Items menu, and many search boxes are now located at the bottom of the screen, requiring users to locate it by touching the bottom of their phone screens. I also discovered that the gesture to switch between pages in the Control Center has changed from a three-finger swipe left to a three-finger swipe up. While I've found solutions, I still believe it's essential to bring these changes to Apple's attention, as they may impact other users who rely on VoiceOver.
- Shortcuts Application: This app has unfortunately regressed. I have encountered crashes when trying to select items from the "More" options within an action, which is a major roadblock to creating and editing automations. Furthermore, some essential features have been removed, such as the ability to copy, duplicate, or move actions within an automation. Customized date formats are no longer being respected, and there are duplicate Siri voice options in the "Speak Text" action, which can be confusing.
- Locked Screen Issues: The new iOS 26 update has brought challenges to the locked screen experience. When receiving an incoming call, the display first shows the company name as a button, followed by the contact name when swiping right. This layout is confusing and not intuitive. I've communicated to Apple that I believe it would be more intuitive to prioritize the contact name, followed by the call source (e.g., mobile, Facetime, or WhatsApp call), and then provide clear call handling options. Additionally, I've found that despite having the toggle set to off for the Notification Center on the locked screen, I am still able to expand it and view my notifications, which contradicts my settings. I've also reported that it's difficult to return missed calls from the locked screen. Previously, we could double-tap with a single finger to return a missed call, but now we need to swipe up and tap the "More" options to either call back or send a message.
- Haptics and the Timer Function: I have noticed an unwanted vibration when activating Siri with a long press of the side button, even though I have haptics turned off in my accessibility and system settings. This also happens when I end a call. Additionally, the Timer functionality has changed. When a timer goes off and I press the side button, instead of simply stopping, it now shows options to "Repeat" or "Stop." This adds an unnecessary step to a process that was previously effortless and efficient.
- Back Tap Feature: I have shared feedback with Apple Accessibility, suggesting new Back Tap options such as using it to end or mute a call, or to double-tap to call a contact for emergency purposes. These features would significantly improve the usability of the device for individuals with mobility impairments.
- Wallpaper and Customization: I have experienced issues with setting a home screen wallpaper and struggled with navigating multiple wallpapers and customizing fonts and colors on the lock screen widgets. This is a frustrating experience that often requires assistance from a sighted person.
The accessibility features in iOS 26 are a clear reflection of Apple’s ongoing commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement. The company has made significant strides in some areas while introducing new challenges in others. I am confident that Apple will continue to listen to its users and address these issues in future updates, making the iPhone an even more accessible and user-friendly device for everyone. The journey of software updates is never a straight line, but it’s the willingness to engage with the user community that truly sets Apple apart. My email conversations with Apple Accessibility have been a great way to provide direct feedback and see how the team addresses these issues.
Battery Performance After the Update
One of the more frustrating aspects of this update has been my iPhone 12’s battery life. It hasn't been as impressive as it was on the previous version of iOS. However, I’m not panicking just yet. I’m giving it a full 48 hours to recalibrate and settle in. It’s not uncommon for a device's battery performance to temporarily dip after a major software update as the operating system recalibrates and optimizes itself for the new features. Hopefully, things will get back to normal soon, and the battery life will be just as good, if not better, than before.
What Are Your Thoughts on iOS 26!
With all these changes, both good and bad, I'm curious to hear about your experience. Have you already updated to iOS 26? What new accessibility features have you found most useful, or what bugs have you run into? Or perhaps you're playing it safe and have opted for the more incremental upgrade to iOS 18.7? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
This post was written based on information provided by the Applevis blog post "What’s New in iOS 26 Accessibility for Blind and Deafblind Users" and my personal email correspondence with Apple Accessibility.
Enjoying your read? Buy us a Coffee
By visiting our ❤️ page.Help us support the causes that matter:
Society for the Empowerment of DeafBlind | NVDA | GAAD Foundation | EYEWAY | Billion Strong
Comments
Post a Comment