Exciting New Accessibility Features Coming in Apple iOS 18

As we approach the annual unveiling of the latest Apple devices, it’s not just the hardware that has us excited—there’s also a brand-new version of iOS on the way. If your device is compatible, you'll soon be able to upgrade to iOS 18, which promises a host of new features.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of the upcoming accessibility enhancements that could make a real difference for many users.

Atypical Speech
One of the standout features is the new ability for Siri to recognise and adapt to atypical speech patterns. If you have a condition that affects your speech, Siri will learn and improve its feedback and responses over time, making dictation a more reliable tool.

Once iOS 18 is released, you’ll be able to enable this feature by going to Settings > Accessibility > Siri > Listen for Atypical Speech.

Vocal Shortcuts
For those who find certain tasks on their iPhone a bit tedious, Vocal Shortcuts could be a game-changer. This feature allows you to create custom phrases that trigger specific actions on your device, all processed locally for instant response. Whether it’s composing a new email to a frequent contact or identifying and saving a song, this could significantly streamline your daily routines. Plus, for anyone who finds some words easier to say than others, this feature could help reduce frustration.

To set up your own shortcuts once the feature is available, you’ll visit Settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts and add your desired actions.

Eye Tracking
Perhaps the most revolutionary feature in iOS 18 is Eye Tracking. This allows you to control your device using just your eyes, making it an invaluable tool for those with physical disabilities. By simply looking at your screen, you can navigate apps, answer calls, or perform other tasks. It’s a feature that seems inspired by the Vision Pro device, and while it may work best with your phone on a stable stand or charger, it has the potential to greatly enhance accessibility for many users.

To enable Eye Tracking, you’ll go to Settings > Accessibility > Eye Tracking and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate your device once iOS 18 is available.

These are just a few of the exciting new features coming in iOS 18. When the update is officially released, if you own an iPhone or Ipad, we recommend exploring all the new options.