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New SignTime service launches Thursday May 20 to connect Apple Store and Apple Support customers with on-demand sign language interpretersApple today announced powerful software features designed for people with mobility vision hearing and cognitive disabilities. These next-generation technologies showcase Apples belief that accessibility is a human right and advance the companys long history of delivering industry-leading features that make Apple products customizable for all users.Later this year with software updates across all of Apples operating systems people with limb differences will be able to navigate Apple Watch using AssistiveTouch iPad will support third-party eye-tracking hardware for easier control and for blind and low vision communities Apples industry-leading VoiceOver screen reader will get even smarter using on-device intelligence to explore objects within images. In support of neurodiversity Apple is introducing new background sounds to help minimize distractions and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing Made for iPhone MFi will soon support new bi-directional hearing aids.Apple is also launching a new service on Thursday May 20 called SignTime. This enables customers to communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care by using American Sign Language ASL in the US British Sign Language BSL in the UK or French Sign Language LSF in France right in their web browsers. Customers visiting Apple Store locations can also use SignTime to remotely access a sign language interpreter without booking ahead of time. SignTime will initially launch in the US UK and France with plans to expand to additional countries in the future. For more information visit apple.comcontact.At Apple weve long felt that the worlds best technology should respond to everyones needs and our teams work relentlessly to build accessibility into everything we make said Sarah Herrlinger Apples senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. With these new features were pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-generation technologies that bring the fun and function of Apple technology to even more people and we cant wait to share them with our users.AssistiveTouch for Apple WatchTo support users with limited mobility Apple is introducing a revolutionary new accessibility feature for Apple Watch. AssistiveTouch for watchOS allows users with upper body limb differences to enjoy the benefits of Apple Watch without ever having to touch the display or controls. Using built-in motion sensors like the gyroscope and accelerometer along with the optical heart rate sensor and on-device machine learning Apple Watch can detect subtle differences in muscle movement and tendon activity which lets users navigate a cursor on the display through a series of hand gestures like a pinch or a clench. AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch enables customers who have limb differences to more easily answer incoming calls control an onscreen motion pointer and access Notification Center Control Center and more.
