Apple’s New AI-Powered Accessibility Features Could Change the Way You Use Your IPhone.

Apple likely won’t acknowledge the existence of iOS 27 until WWDC 2026 , but that doesn’t mean the company is delaying all iOS 27 announcements until then. On Tuesday, Apple published a press release announcing a slew of new accessibility features coming “later this year.” While Apple didn’t specify, this almost certainly means they will arrive alongside iOS 27.

Apple has a truly strong reputation for accessibility features, and the company typically announces a number of new updates in this area before WWDC. But this year, the situation is a bit different: while these features will certainly benefit users with disabilities or special needs, Apple is also advertising them as “powered by Apple Intelligence.” This is almost certainly the company’s way of signaling to the tech community (and investors) that it continues to take AI seriously, especially after two years of slowdowns and setbacks. Moreover, some of these features seem quite useful, whether you “need” them or not.

You can use voice control using natural language.

Perhaps the most useful new feature is Voice Control. While Apple currently allows Voice Control to navigate your iPhone using voice commands, Apple Intelligence will allow Voice Control to use natural speech. This means that instead of asking Voice Control to tap a specific number in the grid, you can say “Open the yellow folder” in Files or “tap the ‘Best Restaurants’ guide” in Maps.

This will be a huge advantage for users who rely on voice control for their iPhone or iPad. But it also demonstrates that Apple’s intelligence has advanced to the point where anyone can control these devices with their voice. If you need to use your iPhone hands-free for any reason—for example, to check a recipe while cooking—you can control it with your voice, instead of having to wash your hands, search for the right recipe, and then wash your hands again.

Add subtitles to personal videos

Apple says that in a future update, Apple Intelligence will be able to add subtitles to videos, even if they’re missing. This will work with both videos you watch online without subtitles and videos you’ve created yourself. This will happen automatically on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, and Apple claims the entire process is done privately on your device (though you can turn it on or off).

Voiceover and magnifying glass

Apple says that later this year, VoiceOver and Magnifier will be able to describe what’s on the screen—which, combined with the camera, means your phone will be able to describe what’s happening around you. You’ll be able to use VoiceOver’s Image Explorer to get descriptions of photos, bills, notes, and anything else you provide. With real-time recognition, Apple Intelligence will be able to describe what’s in the camera’s field of view, similar to how competing products like Gemini Live work. Apple also says you’ll be able to ask clarifying questions “in your own words,” making the interaction more like a conversation rather than constantly asking an assistant.

The Magnifier feature makes it easier for users with low vision to see individual items up close. After the update, hovering the Magnifier camera over a document or receipt will also allow you to ask Apple Intelligence questions about the topic. For example, you can ask, “How much is this bill?” and receive a full, contextual answer. You can also use voice commands to perform actions like “zoom in” or “turn on the flashlight.”

Apple is improving its accessibility reading app.

Apple’s Reading Assistant makes it easier to read large volumes of text with customizable fonts, backgrounds, layouts, and colors. Now, thanks to Apple Intelligence technology, Reading Assistant will work with “more complex source material.” This includes scientific articles, text printed in multiple columns, and images and data tables. It will also offer summary previews to help you understand the gist of the material before continuing.

Updates will also be coming to improve the availability of Apple Vision Pro.

This fall, Apple will also introduce several new enhancements to the Vision Pro. First, the company will add a new wheelchair control feature to the headset, allowing users of electric wheelchairs to control them using eye movements. Apple also announced the addition of Vehicle Motion Cues. This feature, previously available only in iOS, adds moving dots to the display to combat motion sickness. It will be interesting to see if it helps combat the motion sickness that sometimes occurs when using the Apple Vision Pro in a moving vehicle. Finally, users will have new options for performing touch and system actions using facial gestures.

Other updates aimed at improving accessibility are in development.

In addition to the above, Apple is adding the following accessibility features in iOS 27:

• The Sony Access Controller supports iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

• Touch Accommodations will support a “new way to personalize settings” in iOS and iPadOS.

• Hearing aids specifically designed for the iPhone are currently being developed that will be able to pair and switch between your Apple devices, such as AirPods —which are also FDA-cleared hearing aids.

• Apple is adding support for larger text in tvOS.

• Name recognition technology is expanding to cover over 50 languages.

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