We have an app with a large audience (around 2.1M DAUs) and because of this, we build it with accessibility first in mind.
In that app, we link to specific iOS accessibility settings (such as VoiceOver, Display & Text, etc) in our menu screens, to offer the user a shortcut to customize VO behaviour, text size etc.
Unfortunately, since iOS 18, these links are no longer working, they all open the Settings app, but don't navigate.
It appears (through support) users use these links to easily access the settings, mostly older people trained to go this way in computer courses.
We used to open the settings app through the App-prefs scheme, but seems broken in iOS 18.
eg. App-prefs:root=ACCESSIBILITY&path=VOICEOVER_TITLE
I know about the AccessibilitySettings API, but seems it is only limited to once specific feature.
Is there a way we can get these links to work again?
                    
                  
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                      Hello, my name is Donald Kirby, and I am a registered developer. I have been helping the development team with accessibility issues for years. When I first inquired about becoming a developer, they told me I could pay a hundred dollars a year and still contribute.
However, in the last two betas, I've encountered problems with voice control becoming inactive. I tried to screenshot the microphone feature to show them, but it disappears when I use Command + 3. Is there a trick I'm unaware of other than turning the microphone off and back on to reactivate it? I'm baffled about what to do next.
I've reported this issue numerous times, and I'm genuinely trying to help. Unfortunately, I have to rely on dictation when voice control doesn't work, but dictation doesn't operate the computer effectively. It feels like a glitch because recent changes have affected voice control and dictation, particularly with voice command functionality.
If I could code myself, I would gladly learn, but it's quite challenging due to the amount of typing involved. Thank you for your assistance.
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
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		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
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		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      Yesterday I installed iOS 26 on my iPhone as a beta tester. At first there was no problem, but during the afternoon I noticed that neither FaceTime nor IMessage worked... I tried to go through the settings as described by Apple Support, but my phone number would not activate. Sometimes I was even asked to activate iCloud. I always get a REG-RESP message.
Does anyone have any ideas what the problem could be?
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
                Topic:
                  
	
		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
                SubTopic:
                  
                    
	
		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      I'm developing a macOS app using NSView and trying to make my content navigable via VoiceOver. I'm expecting the built-in rotor category "Content Chooser" (accessed via VO + U) to list my accessible elements — just like how it shows message items in the Mail app. However, in my app, this rotor appears empty, even though:
My views return proper accessibilityChildren() or accessibilityContents() with valid NSAccessibilityElements
Each child has correct AXRole, AXLabel, etc.
The window is key and visible
VoiceOver navigation works for the elements
I've also tried:
Using both accessibilityChildren() and accessibilityContents() in container views
Setting roles like .group, .staticText, .button, etc.
Avoiding hidden elements
Ensuring all elements are visible and labeled
Still, "Content Chooser" rotor is empty.
What exact conditions must be met for an element to appear in the "Content Chooser" rotor in a macOS app?
Any Apple-specific guidance, hidden requirements, or sample code would be appreciated.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      Please update Accessibility OS Settings for VoiceOver in iPhone iOS and iPadOS to include frames on the Rotor, and to make web navigation and component gestures easier to find and assign. Please add content to the iPhone and iPad Apple User Guide to use VoiceOver in web navigation with touch gestures.
Specifically... iframes.
There is no clear guidance in Apple documentation for VoiceOver users in iPhone or iPadOS to access iframes with touch gestures. A common belief as written on AppleVis, other blogs, and internet searches is that iframes in Safari or a webView in an app are only available with explore by touch.
If explore by touch is the only option for some interactions, that needs to be included in Apple User Guides. If not, details on equivalent touch gestures for VO that have keyboard interactions in Mac need to be clear for users.
VoiceOver for Mac includes a default keyboard interaction of VO-Command-F in its extensive User Guide (https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/by-images-or-frames-mchlp2740/mac). A user can include a rotor option for web navigation for iframes.
VoiceOver for iPhone and iPad does not include a default swipe gesture assigned to frames. An option is not available for the Rotor.
While there is iPhone User Guide guidance that gestures can be customized (https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/customize-gestures-and-keyboard-shortcuts-iph59a8e6fd2/18.0/ios/18.0), it is not clear that for adding this gesture, "Move to the next frame" is tucked into the advanced navigation commands for VoiceOver Accessibility Settings in the OS. At least in my phone, the word "frame" was not searchable despite the All Commands screen using a search bar.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      Hello,
When I listen to title in my app with VoiceOver, it makes a strange sound.
This characters make with Korean+number+Alphabet.
Is this combination makes some strange sound with voice over?
I would like to ask if Apple can fix this issue.
Thank you.
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
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		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
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		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      I am facing issue of back camera in my iphone 14 plus it is showing the black screen and my iphone is manufacture between april 2023 to april 2024 but its still not eligible for apple program my phone is also getting same issue why its not eligible for it
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
                Topic:
                  
	
		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
                SubTopic:
                  
                    
	
		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      In SwiftUI, the date picker component is breaking in colour contrast accessibility. Below code has been use to create date picker:
struct ContentView: View {
@State private var date = Date()
@State private var selectedDate: Date = .init()
var body: some View {
    let min = Calendar.current.date(byAdding: .day, value: 14, to: Date()) ?? Date()
    let max = Calendar.current.date(byAdding: .year, value: 4, to: Date()) ?? Date()
    
    DatePicker(
        "Start Date",
        selection: $date,
        in: min ... max,
        displayedComponents: [.date]
    )
    .datePickerStyle(.graphical)
    .frame(alignment: .topLeading)
    .onAppear {
        selectedDate = Calendar.current.date(byAdding: .day, value: 14, to: Date()) ?? Date()
    }
}
}
#Preview {
ContentView()
}
attaching the screenshot of failure accessibility.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I have more than 1000 notes classified in parent/child folders up to 5 levels. From the 5th level of files I can no longer share the note. The note is not shared. It is that of the parent file that is shared.
Thank you very much
Good to you
Christophe
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
                Topic:
                  
	
		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
                SubTopic:
                  
                    
	
		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      Hello!
I was faced with unexpected behavior of hardware keyboard focus in UITests.
A clear description of the problem
When running UITests on the iOS Simulator with both "Full Keyboard Access" and "Connect Hardware Keyboard" options enabled, there is a noticeable delay between keyboard actions for focus managing (like pressing Tab or arrow keys). The delay seems to increase with repeated input and suggests that events are being queued instead of processed immediately.
I will describe why I have such an assumption later.
A step-by-step set of instructions to reproduce the problem
Launch the iOS Simulator.
Enable both "Full Keyboard Access" and "Connect Hardware Keyboard" in the Simulator settings.
Run a UITest on a target application (ideally an endless or long-running test).
Once the app is launched, press the Tab key several times.
Observe the delay in focus movement.
Optionally, press the Tab or arrow keys rapidly, then stop the UITest.
After stopping, you’ll see a burst of rapid focus changes.
What results you expected
We expected keyboard actions (like Tab) to be handled immediately and the UI focus to update smoothly during UITests.
What results you saw
There was a 4–10 (end more) second delay between pressing keys and seeing a response. All stacked keyboard events (used for managing focus) are performed all at once after stopping the UITest.
The version of Xcode you are using
Xcode: Version 16.3 (16E140)
Simulator: iPhone 16 Pro (iOS 18.4 and 18.1)
Simulator: iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) (iPadOS 17.5)
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I’d love to see Apple implement a Bionic Reading feature as a system-wide accessibility option. This type of reading aid highlights the first part of each word in bold to help guide the eyes and improve comprehension.
It’s been shown to be especially helpful for people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent needs. Having a toggle in Settings > Accessibility would be life-changing.
Ideally, it could be:
•	Enabled system-wide, or per-app
•	Allow customization of how much of the word is bolded
•	Available in Safari, Messages, Books, News, etc.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I downloaded the official camera sample code(https://developer.apple.com/tutorials/sample-apps/capturingphotos-camerapreview )it's a .swiftpm package  and created a SwiftUI project. I copied the official sample code into this new project, build it, and ran it on an iPhone 13 for testing. I found that there were black empty areas on the top and bottom of the application interface, which means that the application interface cannot be previewed in full screen. I have tried many methods but cannot preview in full screen. How can I modify the code?
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I have users who need to be able to hear the content of SwiftUI Text views. I have specified the .textSelection(.enabled) modifier for the text views. Adding this modifier causes a "copy" option to appear on long press, but it doesn't enable the visible selection of text, nor does it provide the "Speak" menu item that UIKit allows on text selection.
Is the "Speak Selection" accessibility feature broken for SwiftUI Text views? I've found that there's another accessibility feature that does work (enabling the Speech Controller button for "Speak Screen"). Do I need to tell my users that Apple is deprecating the "Speak Selection" accessibility feature, and that they need to use the Speech Controller instead? Or is there something else I can do to my SwiftUI to get that feature to work?
                    
                  
                
                    
                      On iOS, there is accessibilityLanguage.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I have a TextField and entered for example "sg?!". At the TextField I set the modifier speechAlwaysIncludesPunctuation(). But when I activate VoiceOver the content of TextField is reading. The special characters don't read out.
How can I fix this?
                    
                  
                
                    
                      Getting Robbed in the parking lot for wallet and iPhone.  I needed a 2 Button shortcut to Disable Face ID iPhone Unlock.  Preferably using the Camera Button and side button held for 2 seconds.
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
                Topic:
                  
	
		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
                SubTopic:
                  
                    
	
		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      I’m trying to understand the best practice for assigning accessibilityTraits to a UITableViewCell that users can select from a list of options.
In Apple’s first-party apps like Settings, I’ve noticed an inconsistent approach—some cells use the Button trait, while others simply announce the label along with the Selected trait when applicable, without any additional role like Button or Adjustable.
So my question is:
What is the most appropriate accessibility trait to use for a selectable table view cell that updates a selection (like a settings option)?
Is using .button the right approach, or should we rely solely on .selected?
Is there any user experience guideline from Apple that recommends one over the other?
Would love to hear how others handle this for clarity and consistency in VoiceOver behavior.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I have been using M1 MacBook Pro, & need to upgrade but I don't want to switch to function keys after using Touch Bar. I desperately want Apple Team to bring back Touch Bar. .I can wait for another release.
                    
                  
                
              
                
              
              
                
                Topic:
                  
	
		Accessibility & Inclusion
  	
                
                
                SubTopic:
                  
                    
	
		General
		
  	
                  
                
              
              
              
  
  
    
    
  
  
              
                
                
              
            
          
                    
                      I'm facing a bizarre issue with the Apple's Accessibility APIs. I am registering an AXObserver that listens for, among other things, the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotification. For many new users, the kAXSelectTextChangedNotification is not triggered, even though they have enabled Accessibility permission for the app. Other notifications are getting through (kAXWindowMovedNotification, kAXWindowResizedNotification, kAXValueChangedNotification etc - full list here), just not the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotification!
We've found that we can reproduce the error by removing accessibility permission for the app and rebooting our computers. After restarting and reenabling accessibility permissions, the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotification was not received, even though other notifications were fine.
Strangely, the issue can be resolved by launching Apple's Accessibility Inspector app on an impacted computer. Once the Accessibility Inspector is loaded, the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotifications start coming through as expected. This implies to me that either:
We are missing some needed setup when starting the observers. Accessibility Inspector gets it right, thus ‘starting’ the system properly.
Accessibility Inspector is using some Apple private APIs that we don’t have access to.
Things I’ve tried:
I've tried subscribing the AXSelectedTextChangedNotification to different AXUIElements, including the SystemWide element, the Application element, and children elements from the AXApplication. None of these received the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotification, until Accessibility Inspector is booted up. No surprises here, as Apple's documentation confirms that you should add the notification to the root Application AXUIElement if you want to receive notifications for all its children.
I had a theory that the issue might be due to my code calling AXUIElementCreateApplication multiple times, possibly creating multiple "Applications" in Apple's Accessibility implementation. If that’s the case, the notifications might be sent to the wrong application AXUIElement. However, refactoring my code to only call AXUIElementCreateApplication once didn't resolve the issue.
I thought the issue may be caused by subscribing the AXSelectedTextChangedNotification on the high-level application element (at odds with Apple's documentation). I've tried traversing the child AXUIElements until we find one with the kAXSelectedTextAttribute and then subscribing to that. This did not resolve the issue. I don’t think it's the correct path to continue exploring, given that the notifications are received correctly after AccessibilityInspector is launched.
There is one exception to the above: if I add the kSelectedTextChangedNotification listener to a specific text field AXUIElement, I do receive the notification on that text field. However, this is not practical; I need a solution that will work for all text fields within an app. The Accessibility Inspector appears to be doing something that causes the selected-text-changed notifications to be correctly passed up to the high-level application AXUIElement.
Another thought is that I could traverse the entire Accessibility hierarchy and add listeners to every subview that has the kAXSelectedTextAttribute. However, I don’t like this long-term solution. It will be slow and incomplete: new elements get added and removed frequently. I just want the kAXSelectedTextChangedNotification to be received by the high-level Application AXUIElement, which the documentation suggests it should be. I also have evidence that this can work, since notifications start coming through after Accessibility Inspector is launched. It’s just a matter of discovering how to replicate whatever Accessibility Inspector is doing.
An interesting wrinkle: I implemented the 'traverse' strategy above, but was surprised by how few elements were in the hierarchy. Most apps only go down ~2-3 levels, which didn't seem right to me. Perhaps the Accessibility tree isn't fully initialized? I tried adding a 5-second delay to allow more initialization time, but it didn't change anything.
Does anyone have any ideas? Here's our file.
                    
                  
                
                    
                      I am registering my startup for an Apple Developer Account so that we can put our app on the App Store. I do not want use my personal Apple ID's payment to pay the $99 annual fee. How can I change the payment method so that I can continue with my enrollment?