Apple has introduced new accessibility features that glimpse the company’s upcoming AI endeavours. One notable feature is Eye Tracking, which enables users to control their iPhones and iPads using only their eyes.
Primarily designed for individuals with physical disabilities, this innovation showcases Apple’s advancements in AI. Setting up Eye Tracking is quick and simple, requiring users to calibrate it using the front-facing camera for a few seconds.
Apple assures users that all data used for configuration and control remains secure on the device and is not shared with the company.
Eye Tracking extends to both iPadOS and iOS apps, eliminating the need for additional hardware. With Eye Tracking, users can navigate within apps and perform actions like button presses, swiping, and gestures through eye movements.
Other features include Listen for Atypical Speech, enhancing Siri’s understanding of diverse voices using on-device machine learning. Vocal Shortcuts allow users to teach Siri-specific words or phrases for faster task execution. Music Haptics enables individuals with hearing impairments to experience music beats through vibrations on their iPhones.
Vehicle Motion Cues facilitate iPhone and iPad usage in moving vehicles, benefiting those prone to motion sickness. Apple is also integrating systemwide Live Captions into visionOS, the software behind Apple Vision Pro.
These features reflect Apple’s commitment to designing inclusive products, harnessing AI, machine learning, and Apple silicon. They are likely to be available later this year, with the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates in the fall.
