What designers can learn from Apple’s new accessibility features

Connecting the physical and digital world to provide equal experiences and access for all

Apple’s innovative software features introduce new ways for users with disabilities to navigate, connect, and get the most out of Apple products. (Source: Apple)

Although Apple stock is down roughly 23% year to date at the time of writing this article, the $2 trillion company is now valued at more than Amazon, Alphabet and Meta — combined. Could the reason be connected to their continuous release of exciting new features?

Apple recently announced their iPhone 14 Pro with their newest innovation, the Dynamic Island. But this isn’t the most exciting feature they’ve announced this year.

Apple is investing in accessibility features for a range of their products. With over one billion active iPhone users worldwide, these features have the power to impact numerous individuals who face everyday challenges.

Door Detection for Users Who Are Blind or Low Vision for iPhone and iPad

What challenges does this feature aim to address?

Globally, over 2 billion people have some sort of vision impairment, including near and distance. People with visual impairments can experience many difficulties for seemingly simple tasks, such as opening and closing a door.

Door Detection aims to improve the experiences and safety of people that have vision impairment or blindness.

Door Detection is a powerful feature for users who are blind or low vision to navigate the last few feet to their destination. (Source: Apple)

How does this feature improve accessibility?

Door Detection is Apple’s newest accessibility feature available for iPhone and iPad. The navigation feature helps people detect and locate doors around them, removing barriers that people face with finding the right destination. The device uses sound feedback that increases in pitch as the person…