Apple has announced a range of new accessibility features across its devices, including a Vision Pro update that will allow users to control compatible powered wheelchairs using eye movements.
The new features were announced as part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2026, an annual event focused on digital access and inclusion for people with disability.
The updates, expected to roll out later this year, focus on improving accessibility across navigation, communication, vision support, and device interaction. Several of the new features will be powered by Apple Intelligence.
One of the most notable announcements is the introduction of wheelchair control support for Apple Vision Pro. Using the device’s eye-tracking technology, users will be able to control compatible powered wheelchairs by looking in different directions.
According to Apple, users will be able to move their wheelchair in eight directions and pause or stop movement using eye movements alone. The feature is designed to support people who may not be able to operate traditional joystick controls independently.
At launch, the feature will support Tolt and LUCI alternative drive systems in the United States, with additional wheelchair compatibility expected in the future. Apple says the eye-tracking system is designed to work across different lighting conditions without requiring constant recalibration.
Apple also announced updates to several existing accessibility tools.
VoiceOver, Apple’s screen reader for people who are blind or have low vision, will soon provide more detailed image descriptions through its Image Explorer feature. Users will also be able to ask questions about objects or scenes captured through the device camera using Live Recognition.
The Magnifier app is also receiving updates, including improved descriptions for websites and apps in voice mode, along with new voice commands such as “zoom in” or “turn on flashlight.”
Voice Control will become more flexible by allowing users to describe on-screen buttons and controls using natural language instead of memorising exact labels.
Apple is additionally introducing AI-generated subtitles for personal videos. The feature will automatically create captions for videos shared by friends and family that do not already include subtitles, helping improve accessibility for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Read more about Apple’s latest accessibility features in PCMag’s coverage.