The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has released an updated Working Draft of the W3C Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0, continuing the development of the next generation of accessibility guidelines.
The September 2026 update includes further development of the proposed conformance model, as well as updates to guidelines and requirements that have progressed to the “Developing” stage.
One of the major differences between WCAG 3.0 and the current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is how conformance may be assessed and reported. The latest draft proposes a single conformance level, with additional reporting tiers below and above that level. W3C is particularly seeking feedback on this approach and an alternative scoring model.
WCAG 3.0 is also being developed with a broader scope than WCAG 2.2. It is intended to apply to web content, apps, tools, publishing and emerging web technologies, while addressing a wider range of accessibility needs, including more needs of people with cognitive disability.
Importantly, WCAG 3.0 remains an incomplete Working Draft and is expected to change substantially as development continues. It is not currently a replacement for WCAG 2.2. W3C advises organisations to continue meeting WCAG 2.2 Level A and AA requirements while WCAG 3.0 is being developed.
W3C is inviting feedback on the latest draft, particularly on the proposed conformance model.
To learn more and review the September 2026 WCAG 3.0 Working Draft, visit the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative website.