
Apple Brings New Accessibility Labels And Features On App Store
Last Updated:
Apple continues to bring new features with accessibility in mind for its users and the new ones are coming to the App Store.
Apple on Tuesday announced a host of accessibility features which include accessibility labels on the App Store, braille access, and reader to help users who are blind, deaf or have mobility issues.
The accessibility features, announced ahead of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 15, are expected to be rolled out later this year, the company said.
The new Magnifier app for Mac, the new Braille Access feature is designed for people who are blind or have low vision to explore, learn, and interact; take notes and perform calculations, and also leverage the powerful camera system of Apple Vision Pro with new updates to visionOS.
The company also announced the launch of Accessibility Reader, a new systemwide reading mode designed with accessibility in mind, along with updates to Live Listen, background sounds, personal voice, and vehicle motion cues.
The features, which leverage the power of Apple silicon along with advances in on-device machine learning and artificial intelligence, will enable users with a new level of accessibility across the Apple ecosystem.
'At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, in a statement.
'Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we're proud of the innovations we're sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them, and do what they love," he added.
Further, for users with severe mobility disabilities, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS will add a new protocol to support Switch Control for Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) — an emerging technology that allows users to control their device without physical movement.
Other features include Sound and Name Recognition, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to know when their name is being called; voice control introduces a new programming mode in Xcode for software developers with limited mobility.
With Share Accessibility settings, users can quickly and temporarily share their accessibility settings with another iPhone or iPad, enabling users to borrow a friend's device or use a public kiosk in a setting like a cafe.
First Published:
May 14, 2025, 09:10 IST

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Apple eyes Perplexity acquisition? What's at stake for Google, Samsung
Apple is reportedly exploring a potential acquisition of Perplexity AI, the US-based AI start-up. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple executives, including mergers and acquisitions head Adrian Perica, services chief Eddy Cue, and key decision-makers in AI, have held internal discussions about making a bid for the company. While there has been no confirmation from Apple, Perplexity told Bloomberg, 'We have no knowledge of any current or future M&A discussions involving Perplexity.' If Apple proceeds, the deal could give it a much-needed boost in AI talent, an established brand in the generative AI space, and a consumer-facing product. However, ongoing deals between Perplexity and other tech companies, notably Samsung and Motorola, could complicate the process. Bloomberg also reported that Meta attempted to buy Perplexity earlier this year. Here's a breakdown of what an Apple-Perplexity deal could mean for the companies involved: What Apple stands to gain from the Perplexity AI acquisition? A Perplexity acquisition would support Apple's efforts to develop its own AI-based search engine, a strategic move amid growing uncertainty around its lucrative deal with Google. Bloomberg reported that Apple currently earns an estimated $20 billion a year by making Google the default search engine in Safari, but that agreement is under scrutiny from US antitrust regulators. The potential acquisition also reflects Apple's wider push to catch up in the generative AI race. Despite unveiling its Apple Intelligence platform at WWDC 2024, the company remains behind competitors in core features. Siri's planned upgrade was even delayed earlier this year, with a revised rollout now targeted for next spring. By bringing Perplexity in-house, Apple would not only gain a robust AI product but also absorb a skilled team already working at the forefront of AI-powered search. The acquisition could further accelerate the development of next-gen Apple Intelligence capabilities. Samsung and Motorola partnerships at risk? Bloomberg previously reported that Samsung Electronics is close to finalising a major partnership with Perplexity. This would include preloading Perplexity's assistant and app onto Samsung devices and integrating its search technology into Samsung's native web browser. Talks have also involved incorporating Perplexity into Samsung's own voice assistant, Bixby. Samsung is reportedly aiming to announce these integrations as early as this year, potentially making Perplexity a default assistant option on its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. The South Korean giant is also expected to be a major participant in Perplexity's next funding round. Motorola already has an active partnership with Perplexity. On select Motorola smartphones, including the Edge 60 Pro, users can choose between Perplexity AI, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot as their default assistant. While there is no indication yet that these partnerships are under threat, they could present a hurdle if Apple moves ahead with an acquisition. Bloomberg also noted that Apple is weighing an alternative: partnering with Perplexity rather than acquiring it outright. Such a deal would involve integrating Perplexity's AI search into Safari and possibly into Siri as an additional intelligence layer. What Apple Perplexity AI Deal could mean for Google An Apple-Perplexity alliance, whether through acquisition or partnership, would be a clear challenge to Google's dominance on iOS devices. For now, Google Search remains the default on Safari, but a Perplexity-powered alternative could alter the balance of power, particularly if antitrust regulators force changes to the current arrangement. Separately, Perplexity's growing relationship with Samsung is another potential concern for Google. Although Google's Gemini AI is already integrated into Samsung's Galaxy devices, including being set as the default assistant, Samsung's collaboration with Perplexity suggests a shift toward diversifying its AI offerings. If Samsung deepens its partnership with Perplexity, it could mark a strategic move away from sole reliance on Google and toward supporting a broader AI ecosystem.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
iOS 26 may allow 3rd-party apps to use Wi-Fi for local data sharing: Report
Apple is reportedly preparing to open up a new local connectivity option for third-party apps with the release of iOS 26. According to iHelp BR, a Brazilian publication focused on Apple technologies, a new feature called Wi-Fi Aware will enable apps to discover and connect to nearby devices over Wi-Fi, even without an internet connection or shared Wi-Fi network. Until now, only Apple's AirDrop offered this sort of seamless peer-to-peer sharing, but it was limited to Apple devices and system apps. The iOS 26 update may finally allow third-party developers to integrate similar local-sharing capabilities into their own apps. The change could also be Apple's way of aligning with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which encourages openness in dominant tech platforms. What is Wi-Fi Aware Wi-Fi Aware is a connectivity protocol that enables nearby devices to discover and directly connect with each other over Wi-Fi. The connection works without mobile data or a shared Wi-Fi network, making it ideal for real-time, offline communication. At WWDC 2025, Apple demonstrated potential uses for this feature, which include: Possibility of cross-platform communication One of the more exciting aspects of Wi-Fi Aware is that it is based on an open standard. This means developers could potentially use it to enable communication between iPhones and Android phones, provided the same app is installed on both devices. While Apple has not officially confirmed such cross-platform functionality, the update represents the closest it has come to expanding AirDrop-like capabilities beyond its ecosystem. How it compares to existing solutions A comparable technology already exists in the form of O Plus Connect, developed by Guangdong Heytap Technology, which powers Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme devices. This system enables file sharing and screen mirroring between Android and iOS/macOS using a combination of peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The main difference lies in approach: while O Plus Connect is a consumer-facing, brand-specific feature, Wi-Fi Aware is an app-level API that provides developers with more flexibility and cross-platform potential. That said, Apple's move to enable third-party access to local Wi-Fi connections in iOS 26 may signal a broader strategy to reduce walled-garden constraints, at least for app developers.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Password leak alert: 4 trusted tools to check if your password is hacked, what to do if your password is leaked, and how to create a strong password
We save passwords without thinking—into browsers, apps, and password managers, trusting they'll keep us safe. But the digital world isn't as secure as we like to believe. Without warning, your login details could end up in the wrong hands—shared on shady forums, bundled into breach dumps, or used to quietly infiltrate your most personal accounts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The worst part? You may never know until it's too late. That's why checking for password leaks and taking early action is now just as important as having antivirus software. Fortunately, there are reliable, free tools available to help you stay ahead of security threats. These tools quietly scan breach databases and dark web sources to detect if your credentials have been exposed and they tell you what to do next. Password leak warning: Top tools to protect your accounts 1. Have I Been Pwned Find out instantly if your email or password has been exposed in past data breaches. This independent, free-to-use platform scans your email address across hundreds of publicly known breach datasets. You simply enter your email ID, and it tells you if it has ever been part of a data leak. Features: Breach check by email address Password safety check via privacy-friendly encryption Email alerts for future leaks Why it matters: It's quick, anonymous, and doesn't require sign-up. If your email has been exposed, it's your cue to act fast. 2. Google Password Checkup (via Google Password Manager) Built into Chrome and Android, it scans your saved passwords for exposure. If you've ever saved a password in Chrome or your Google account, you can use Google Password Checkup to check if those credentials have been compromised. Features: Real-time alerts on compromised, reused, or weak passwords Built-in to your browser and Google account Works silently in the background Why it matters: Many people use Google daily. If you're already saving passwords there, this is a powerful free tool you may not realise you're already using. 3. Google One Dark Web Report Monitors shady online spaces for your personal information. This tool scans dark web sources for signs that your email address, phone number, or other credentials have been compromised or shared. Available through the Google One dashboard. Features: Scans dark web databases and forums Checks for personal identifiers beyond just email Accessible with any Google One subscription (including trial tiers) Why it matters: The dark web is where stolen credentials often end up. This tool brings that invisible world to light, so you're not the last to know. 4. Apple iCloud Keychain Password Monitoring Protects your stored passwords with real-time breach detection. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now If you're an Apple user, iCloud Keychain automatically checks whether your stored passwords have shown up in known data leaks. Features: Works across iOS and macOS Flags breached, weak, or reused passwords Encourages better password practices Why it matters: If you're in the Apple ecosystem, this feature is already built in. It's an easy win for your digital hygiene. Signs your account may be compromised Sometimes, your accounts start showing signs of trouble even before you're aware of a leak. Look out for: Unexpected login notifications from unfamiliar locations or devices Strange messages sent from your account (spam, phishing, or abusive content) Password reset emails you didn't request Locked accounts due to 'too many login attempts' Unrecognised transactions or charges If even one of these occurs, it's time to investigate and secure your accounts immediately. What to do if your password has been leaked If any tool or red flag confirms that your password is part of a breach: Change the password immediately Use a new, strong password that's not used elsewhere. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) Even if a hacker has your password, 2FA adds another roadblock. Review account activity Look through your login history and activity logs if available. Update linked accounts If you've used the same password elsewhere, change it there too. Check your recovery info Make sure your email recovery address and phone number are accurate and secure. How to create a strong password Creating a password that's strong and memorable can feel like a puzzle, but here are some quick rules that work: Make it long and unpredictable At least 12 characters Avoid dictionary words, names, or dates Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols Don't reuse passwords Using the same password for multiple accounts is like having one key for your house, car, and office. If it's stolen, everything is exposed. Use a password manager Let a trusted password manager create and remember complex passwords for you. It's safer and far more convenient.