Accessible Mobile Apps - Issue #65

Accessible Mobile Apps - Issue #65
Image with two logos: Accessible Mobile Apps logo and the Appt Foundation logo, showing the text that the Accessible Mobile Apps newsletter is powered by Appt.

Hey y'all,

Hope you're having a wonderful week.

Earlier this month I gave a talk at iOSDevUK about how quickly you can transform an in-accessible iOS application into an accessible one. It was such a great crowd, and I would highly recommend you put this conference on your radar for next year. You can find the slides from my presentation here:

This next week, I'll be headed to NSSpain to talk about accessibility on Apple Vision Pro. Stay tuned for the slides and replay! And if you'll be at the conference, too, come say hello. đź‘‹

As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any suggestions for the next issue. Would love to hear them! 🙂

Robin

Robin Kanatzar | Linktree
Android + iOS + visionOS + Flutter Engineer | A11y | Speaker | Women in Tech
Accessible Mobile Apps | Linktree
Giving you the tools to make your iOS and Android applications more accessible

Abra launches software for automated app accessibility testing

Abra Desktop enables you to test the accessibility of apps from your desktop. It detects connected Android and iOS devices. Next, you can scan for accessibility issues in any app. View the results in Abra Dashboard, and work together with your team. In the Abra Academy you can find code samples to fix the detected issues. Let's make your apps accessible! Schedule a demo

Here's a detailed breakdown of the legal side of accessibility for mobile apps. Looking forward to the next parts in the series to get more into detail!

What is Accessibility in Mobile Apps? Legal Requirements in App Development Series - Part I
Accessibility in mobile apps will be a hot topic in 2024, largely due to upcoming EU legislation that will soon cover digital products. See what to look out for.

Inside the AppleVis Acquisition

Want to know more about the acquisition of AppleVis by Be My Eyes? Check out this podcast conversation either via transcript or .mp3 file (at the very bottom of the page):

AppleVis Extra 99: Inside the AppleVis Acquisition; A Conversation with Be My Eyes | AppleVis
In this AppleVis Extra, Dave Nason and Thomas Domville engage in a discussion with Bryan Bashin and Hans Jørgen Wiberg from Be My Eyes about the acquisition of AppleVis. They tackle the tough questions, explore how Be My Eyes came to acquire AppleVis, and share insights into the experiences of the AppleVis Editorial Team before and after the acquisition. Transcript Disclaimer: This transcript is generated by AIKO, an automated transcription service. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.

iOS

What's new in iOS 18 accessibility for blind and DeafBlind users

What’s new in iOS 18 accessibility for blind and DeafBlind users | AppleVis
Introduction Fall is almost here in the northern hemisphere, which means it’s time for another major release of iOS. There are certainly mainstream changes of note, such as a new Passwords app; an expanded Control Center; changes to the Messages app like the addition of support for RCS messaging; and many more.

Apple’s AirPods Pro Could Soon Disrupt the Hearing Aid Industry

Apple’s AirPods Pro Could Soon Disrupt the Hearing Aid Industry
AirPods revolutionized the wireless earbuds category and are poised to do the same for over-the-counter hearing aids.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be sold as hearing aids, says FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, approved the sale of AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids.

FDA OKs Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids
You gotta admit, that speaks volumes for Cupertino

Android

TalkBack uses Gemini Nano to increase image accessibility for users with low vision

TalkBack uses Gemini Nano to increase image accessibility for users with low vision
Integration with Gemini Nano enhances image description capabilities for TalkBack, providing more detailed and informative descriptions for users.

Google is preparing to integrate Extra Dim into Android's brightness slider

Google is preparing to integrate Extra Dim into Android’s brightness slider
Google may integrate the Extra Dim feature that makes the screen dimmer into the brightness slider, and it could happen in Android 15 QPR1.

Android 15 cracks down on side-loaded apps

Android 15 adds more restrictions on side-loaded apps, denying access to certain APIs including accessibility APIs.

Android 15 cracks down on sideloaded apps even harder to protect users
Android 15 places new restrictions on what permissions sideloaded apps can be easily granted. Here’s what you need to know.

Design

A simple guide to accessible design

A simple guide to accessible design
How to ensure equal access: practical tips for designing websites and apps that are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities

How to use grayscale: a quick way to check accessibility and visual design

How to use grayscale: a quick way to check accessibility and visual design
Using grayscale is a way to keep both accessibility and visual design in mind


Join the Appt Slack Group

Use this link to join the Appt Slack workspace for mobile accessibility. Ask technical questions, share resources, get advice from other developers, and most importantly connect with developers who share your passion for a11y.


If you or your company is interested in sponsoring an issue of the Accessible Mobile Apps newsletter, send an email to hello@accessiblemobileapps.com.