Revolutionizing Accessibility: A Sneak Peek at iOS 27’s AI-Powered Features

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Controlling a Wheelchair with Vision Pro

Apple is introducing a groundbreaking feature in visionOS 27 that enables Vision Pro users to navigate a wheelchair simply by looking at their desired destination, utilizing the precise eye-tracking technology on Apple’s headset.

While this feature may cater to a specific audience, it presents a compelling reason for wheelchair users to consider incorporating Apple’s headset into their daily lives. Designed specifically for individuals who rely on power wheelchairs and are unable to operate them using a joystick, this innovation integrates with alternative drive control systems like Tolt and LUCI in the United States. Apple has plans to extend this functionality to other wheelchair drive systems in the future.

Pat Dolan, the founder of GeoALS and a member of Team Gleason’s patient advisory board, who has been living with ALS for a decade, expressed his enthusiasm for this new capability. He stated, “The ability to independently control my power wheelchair is invaluable to me. With this latest feature, Apple is developing life-enhancing technology for those who need it most.”

Additionally, Apple is introducing Vehicle Motion Cues in visionOS to assist Vision Pro users who experience motion sickness while traveling as passengers. The update also includes new facial gestures for executing taps and system commands, a feature that appears to be influenced by Apple’s recent acquisition of Q.ai. Moreover, users can now select elements using Dwell Control, enhancing accessibility.

Other enhancements announced today encompass expanded language support for Name Recognition, which notifies users when their name is spoken, a new API for integrating sign language interpretation apps with FaceTime, enhanced text size options for tvOS, streamlined pairing and handoff processes for Made for iPhone hearing aids, and support for the Sony Access controller in gaming applications.