In a groundbreaking move towards inclusivity and accessibility, Apple has unveiled a slew of innovative features in its latest iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates, including the much-anticipated eye tracking functionality. Let’s delve into the details of these transformative accessibility features:
Eye Tracking Technology
- With the new eye tracking feature, users can control their compatible iPhones and iPads using only their eyes.
- This feature, designed primarily to assist individuals with disabilities, offers a seamless and intuitive way for users to interact with their devices.
- Calibration of the front camera is quick and straightforward, requiring only a few seconds to activate the feature.
- No additional hardware or accessories are needed for eye tracking functionality to work, making it easily accessible to all users.
- Users can navigate through iOS and iPadOS apps and utilize dual controls to interact with various elements while also controlling physical buttons’ actions.
- To enable eye tracking on iPhone 12 or later devices running iOS 18, users can navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Eye Tracking and follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the camera with their eye movements.
- Once calibrated, users can effortlessly select and interact with on-screen elements using their eyes, with simple gestures such as looking at an application icon for a few seconds to select it.
Privacy and Security
- Apple prioritizes user privacy and security, ensuring that all data required for eye tracking remains safely stored on the device.
- The feature utilizes Apple’s on-device machine learning (ML) capabilities to accurately track eye movements, alleviating any privacy concerns.
Additional Accessibility Enhancements
- Music Haptics: Catering to individuals who are hard of hearing, the Music Haptics feature enables users to experience music using the taptic engine on their iPhones, offering a tactile experience.
- Vocal Shortcuts: Users can now perform actions by creating custom sounds, providing an innovative way to navigate their devices and perform tasks efficiently.
Apple’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity shines through with these groundbreaking features, revolutionizing the way users interact with their devices and enhancing the overall user experience. As these features roll out with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, users can look forward to a more inclusive and empowering technology ecosystem.