Apple Announces AssistiveTouch for Apple Watch, Eye-Tracking Features on iPad Among Other Accessibility Updates

Apple has announced a range of accessibility features that are designed for people with mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive limitations. These features will be available through software updates later this year. One of the most interesting features is the Apple Watch allowing people with limb differences to navigate its interface using AssistiveTouch. Users on iPhone and iPad will also be a part of the new accessibility-focussed treatment. Additionally, Apple has announced a new sign language interpreter service called SignTime that will be available to communicate with AppleCare and retail customer care.

AssistiveTouch on watchOS will allow Apple Watch users to navigate a cursor on the display through a series of hand gestures, such as a pinch or a clench. Apple says the Apple Watch will use built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer, along with the optical heart rate sensor and on-device machine learning, to detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity.

New gesture control support through AssistiveTouch would let people with limb differences to more easily answer incoming calls, control an onscreen motion pointer, and access Notification Centre and Control Centre — all on an Apple Watch — without requiring them to touch the display or move the Digital Crown. However, the company has not provided any details about which Apple Watch models will be compatible with the new features.