AppleVis Unlimited: What's New and Noteworthy for September 2025

By AppleVis, 30 September, 2025

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of AppleVis Unlimited, your monthly digest of the latest and most notable content on the AppleVis website. This newsletter features a curated selection of community-submitted content, including new app entries; updates; news; podcasts; guides; and popular discussions. Plus, we are very excited to introduce a new feature: AnonyMouse's App Pick of the Month. We hope that you find this publication to be both helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback about this newsletter, please feel free to reach out using our Contact Form.

AnonyMouse's App Pick of the Month: Home Quest - Idle Adventure

If you enjoy relaxing yet strategic idle games, Home Quest - Idle Adventure is a must-have. First released on June 22, 2020, the game blends town-building, resource management, and army recruitment into a charming and fully accessible experience where you grow a settlement, expand your economy, and lead warriors on mythic adventures. This month’s 5.0 update adds something major: a brand-new chapter to the story. For longtime players, this means fresh content to explore, more challenges to conquer, and a deeper look into the world of Home Quest.

Read more about Home Quest here.

New Apps

Alt Text Generator

From the App Store:

Alt Text Generator makes your images accessible to everyone by creating detailed, meaningful descriptions using advanced AI technology. With powerful Shortcuts integration, you can now get descriptions for

any image on your iOS device - from screenshots to social media posts, memes to documents - even when apps don't provide their own descriptions.

Empowering Users with Visual Impairments:

Finally, a tool that describes what's really in those images! Use our Shortcuts integration to:

  • Get descriptions for memes and social media images that typically lack alt text
  • Understand screenshots from any app on your device
  • Describe photos in messaging apps before sharing or receiving
  • Access visual content in apps that don't support accessibility
  • Create workflows that automatically describe images from any source

Key Features:

  • Universal Image Description - Works with any image on your iOS device through Shortcuts
  • Powerful Shortcuts Actions - Build automations to describe images from any app or workflow
  • Batch Processing - Describe multiple images at once with detailed feedback for each
  • Instant AI Descriptions - Powered by OpenAI's GPT-4 Vision for accurate, contextual descriptions
  • Three Detail Levels - Choose quick summaries, standard descriptions, or comprehensive details
  • VoiceOver Optimized - Every feature designed with screen reader users in mind -Privacy First - Images processed securely, never stored or logged
Additional Details

Argus - Peripheral Recognizer

From the App Store:

Argus is an app that uses machine learning to recognize common objects and scenes. It tells you what it sees and where you are.

Argus has the following features:

  • Real-time object and scene detection
  • It says what it sees out loud
  • Designed for users with disability
  • No Wi-Fi or cellular data required
  • Recognizes up to 1,000 categories of common object
  • Detects up to 205 scenes
  • Uses Core ML for optimum efficiency
Additional Details

BCC Text

From the App Store:

Save time sending group texts-without group chats.

Send personalized messages to multiple contacts with a single tap, right from the Messages app.

Perfect for:

Friends, family, clients, clubs, and anyone who needs to quickly and privately send the same message to many people.

Skip the hassle of copying, pasting, and sending the same message repeatedly. With Bcc Text, you can:

  • Send individual messages to multiple contacts-no group chat required.
  • Use your Messages app-details are pre-filled to save you time.
  • Save groups of people you contact frequently.
  • Import contacts from a CSV file and save them directly to a group for easy organization.
  • Automate with Shortcuts-send messages to groups with a single tap.
Additional Details

BLIND Object & Color Detector

From the App Store:

This app helps blind people to recognize objects and colors.

How it works:

There are two fields on the start screen of the app.

Click the upper half of the screen to start the object detection.

Click on the lower half of the screen to activate the color detection.

You can always return to the home screen by sliding your finger down the screen.

Object detection uses the iPhone camera to detect objects. Aim the camera in one direction and the app names the recognized objects via voice output.

Color detection uses the camera to detect color. Aim the camera in one direction and the app will name the color via voice output.

The app is free of charge.

Additional Details:

Genim: AI Image Description

From the App Store:

Generate perfect image descriptions instantly with AI. Ideal for accessibility, SEO, and content creation. Save time while ensuring accurate info for all your images.

TRANSFORM YOUR IMAGE CONTENT WITH AI-POWERED DESCRIPTIONS

Genim is your intelligent companion for creating detailed, accurate image descriptions. Powered by advanced AI technology, Genim analyses images and generates comprehensive descriptions that enhance accessibility, improve SEO, and save valuable time for content creators and developers.

KEY FEATURES:

  • INTELLIGENT AI ANALYSIS
    Experience state-of-the-art image recognition technology that captures both obvious and subtle details in your images. Genim's AI understands context, identifies objects, recognizes scenes, and describes spatial relationships with remarkable accuracy.
  • PERFECT FOR ACCESSIBILITY
    Make your content accessible to everyone. Genim generates descriptions that comply with WCAG guidelines, helping you create inclusive digital experiences. Ideal for websites, apps, and digital documents that need to meet accessibility standards.
  • BOOST YOUR SEO
    Enhance your search engine optimisation with detailed, relevant image descriptions. Genim creates SEO-friendly alt text and descriptions that help search engines better understand your visual content, potentially improving your rankings and visibility.
  • STREAMLINED WORKFLOW
    Save hours of manual work with our intuitive interface. Simply upload your images, and Genim does the rest. Process single images or batch process multiple files at once. Export descriptions in various formats to suit your needs.
  • PRIVACY AND SECURITY FIRST
    Your data security is our priority. Genim features:
    • No permanent storage of your images
    • Regular security updates
  • VERSATILE APPLICATIONS
    Perfect for:
    • Web developers implementing accessibility features
    • Content creators optimizing their visual content
    • Digital marketers enhancing their SEO strategy
    • Bloggers and social media managers
    • E-commerce businesses improving product descriptions
    • Educational institutions creating accessible content
    • Anyone working with digital images
  • POWERFUL CUSTOMIZATION
    Tailor descriptions to your needs:
    • Adjust description length and detail level
    • Choose between different writing styles
Additional Details

HearLight

From the App Store:

Turn colors around you into playful soundscapes!

You can literally hear the colors around you, like wandering through a musical instrument you can walk inside.

What it does:

HearLight transforms brightness, saturation and hue into sound.

It lets you explore light, colors, and your environment by hearing how they change.

Switch between camera input and a color picker for getting familiar with the mapping between colors and sounds.

HearLight was developed specially for blind users, but it is a fusion of art, accessibility, and sensory expansion for everyone.

Additional Details

Mollama

From the App Store:

Mollama: Your Intelligent AI Companion, Running Entirely On-Device

Mollama is a privacy-first, secure AI assistant that processes everything locally on your device. It offers intelligent conversations, creative support, and problem-solving capabilities without sending your data to external servers.

Privacy and Security

  • Fully on-device processing: Complete control over your data, no cloud dependency
  • Zero data transmission: No collection, storage, or sharing of personal information

Core Technologies: MLX and Ollama

  • Powered by Apple Neural Engine: Efficient on-device AI for optimized performance
  • Open-source language models: Flexibility to choose models suited to different tasks

Key Features

  • Offline functionality: Operates seamlessly without internet after initial setup
  • Real-time interaction: Natural conversation experience with quick responses
  • Multi-model support: Adapts to various tasks with different AI models
  • Contextual understanding: Remembers conversation history for consistent replies
  • User-friendly interface: Intuitive design for easy and straightforward use

Ideal for

  • Developers: Code generation, debugging, technical assistance
  • Writers: Creative writing, text editing, brainstorming
  • Students: Homework help, research support, exam preparation
  • Professionals: Email drafting, report generation, data analysis
  • Creatives: Idea generation, storytelling, problem-solving
  • Lifelong learners: Exploring knowledge across multiple fields
Additional Details

Noteworthy App Updates

Dolphin EasyReader

From the App Store:

Open a World of Accessible Books

EasyReader removes barriers to reading, connecting users to accessible book libraries and talking newspaper stands globally, so readers can enjoy books in ways they find comfortable and accessible.

EasyReader enhances the reading experience for individuals with dyslexia, vision impairments, and other print-related challenges.

Simply log in to your preferred library and download up to ten titles at a time. Millions of books, including classic literature, the latest bestsellers, non-fiction, textbooks and children’s books are all available to read in accessible formats. You can also access talking newspaper stands to enjoy magazines, newspapers and other reading material.

The Flexibility to Read Your Own Way

Download up to ten titles at a time and customise your reading experience to suit your vision and preferences.

Supporting Dyslexic readers and people with Irlen Syndrome:

  • Adjust fonts and try dyslexia-friendly fonts
  • Customise text, background colours and highlights to improve readability
  • Modify letter spacing, line spacing and line views for comfort

EasyReader offers an exceptional experience for readers with vision impairments:

  • Adjustable text size with touchscreen actions
  • Choose custom colour contrasts for comfortable reading
  • Braille display support for accessing books and documents
  • Linear reading mode for screen readers and braille users

Audio Books & Text-to-Speech (TTS)

Listen to audio books or use Text to Speech (TTS) to read books and newspapers with human-sounding synthesised speech. Personalise your reading experience further and read-along with on-screen text highlights that perfectly synchronise with the audio.

  • Choose your preferred reading voices.
  • Adjust reading speed, volume and pronunciation for optimal clarity

Read a Range of Formats

Choose from a wide range of book and document formats:

  • HTML - Text files
  • DAISY 2 & 3
  • ePub
  • MathML
  • Microsoft Word (DOCX)
  • PDF (via RNIB Bookshare)
  • Any text copied to your device clipboard

Easy Navigation

Access your favourite libraries with EasyReader to browse, download and navigate books effortlessly.

Skip pages, jump to chapters, or search by keyword to find information instantly, whether you read visually, with audio or braille.

App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 12.02 (September 15, 2025):

  • New App setting for Colour Theme to control colours used in EasyReader
  • New Text Highlight feature to apply different colours to paragraphs
  • Improved access to Bookshare Periodicals and Project Gutenberg
  • Improved download process for Blind Low Vision, NZ
  • Bookshare ‘Popular’ category works as expected
  • Better access to shared documents and folders on OneDrive
  • Now uses MathCAT 0.7.0 with language updates

Version 12.03 (September 25, 2025)

Fix applied for a book open issue in some books from RNIB Reading Services.

Fix applied regarding a book search problem in some online libraries which could cause a "No books" message.

Additional Details

Home Quest - Idle Adventure

From the App Store:

Build your Town

You find yourself in an unknown place. Unsure of what these lands might hold, you decide it’s best to grow your settlement. Provide housing and farms for your people. Create workplaces, military facilities, and more.

Recruit an Army

Once settled in, eliminate threats, fight your enemies, conquer the lands, and expand your reach. Choose between different units and army compositions.

Manage your Economy

Keep an eye on your resources, assign your workers, and fine tune your production chains. Expand your settlements to acquire rare resources.

And More...

Experience a story, and learn about the inhabitants of a foreign land. Work together with a tribe of mythical shamans. Go through hardships, surprises, and fun as you progress!

App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 5.0 (September 3, 2025):

5.0: Continue the journey in a brand new chapter!

Version 5.0.23 (September 16, 2025):

Stability and performance improvements.

Additional Details

Land of Livia

** Apple Design Award Finalist 2025 **

Unlock the full game with one purchase. No loot boxes, no pressure, just a great experience.

Step into Land of Livia, a relaxing idle adventure with a deep narrative. Whether you need a break from the real world or just a moment to unwind, Livia is a place where you can slow down and enjoy the journey.

Explore at your own pace, uncover a rich and immersive story, and gather around the Campfire, where players share wisdom and stories.

  • Escape into a beautifully crafted world, exploring at your own pace without pressure or time limits.
  • Relax with a captivating story filled with mystery and memorable characters.
  • Gain rewards throughout your day, making progress no matter how busy you are.
  • Solve puzzles and riddles that challenge your mind while keeping the experience stress-free.
  • Discover and upgrade items of legend, collecting powerful artifacts along your journey.
  • Celebrate discoveries and share the adventure with a welcoming community at the Campfire.
  • Experience industry-leading accessibility, designed from the ground up for all players.
  • Unlock the full game with one purchase. No loot boxes, no pressure, just a great experience.
App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 5.1.0 (September 10, 2025):

Less than six months after our 5.0 release, we’re thrilled to bring you another major update. Thank you to all the new players who’ve joined our community. We can’t wait for you to enjoy these improvements.

LIQUID GLASS REDESIGN

The interface has been updated to use Apple’s new Liquid Glass in iOS 26.

We also support the “Increase Contrast” option in Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Let us know if you spot any areas that still need improvement.

CAMPFIRE REDESIGN

The biggest Campfire update since launch is here, paving the way for future improvements.

  • The message box and newest message are now at the bottom for easier access.
  • Messages can include new lines and the box expands as you type.
  • Added support for external keyboards.
  • Rankings and Info now appear as overlays, leaving more room for messages.
  • The message box stays focused after sending so you can keep chatting quickly.

PATHFINDER

Map Navigation is now a dedicated tab called Pathfinder for quicker access. It is the last tab on the screen, so VoiceOver users can reach it easily with a four-finger tap at the bottom. Guidance now includes the specific action to take at your goal, such as Attempt Quest or Listen at Inn.

MAIN MENU

To simplify the Map screen, all non-tab screens are now in a single drop-down menu. This currently includes Journal, Help, and Settings.

GAME CENTER

We’ve added Game Center support. The first feature is Vander’s Ledger, a time-limited global leaderboard launching mid-September. Douglas Vander, Thardric stockbroker, will open his ledger periodically for those chasing financial fame. You’ll also see a Campfire indicator showing who is signed in.

OPTIMIZED DESIGN FOR IPAD, MAC AND APPLE VISION PRO

The game now supports sidebars, a custom HUD for larger screens, and hover states.

JOURNAL TABLEAU

Turn your journey through Livia into a serene work of art that always shows you where you are and what comes next. This new custom widget is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac & Apple Vision Pro.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

  • Improved labels and hints for key buttons to make them more contextual.
  • Your player name in the Hero screen is now a header for easier navigation to auto equip, sell junk, and item slots.
  • Lore runes in the Lore Minigame can now be changed with up/down swipes as well as double tap.

OTHER CHANGES

  • The player avatar now animates on the map while traveling.
  • Sheets like Settings and Help now always show a close button.
  • Updated the navigation bar design in Hero and Crafting screens.
  • Improved readability of location actions in “What should I do next?”.
  • Added a “can purchase” indicator to store items.
  • Added the gold HUD item to stores in towns.
  • Added the game version number to the Help screen, along with a link to the App Store if an update is available.
  • Updated the App Icon for iOS 26.

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed issue where turning off both music and sound effects still paused external audio.
  • Fixed bug where a location in the Karth’s Chisel legend would not appear until restarting.
  • Fixed incorrect Campfire badge number when switching Campfires.
  • Fixed a bug that allowed travel to Northern Livia without purchasing the Chapter Bundle.
Additional Details

ooTunes Radio: Record & Alarm

From the App Store:

Updated for newer devices, bug fixes and a solid foundation for more to come!

INFINITE Tunes, Talk, Sports, and Entertainment Radio!

CNET readers ranked ooTunes as #2 app overall! Thanks!

ooTunes is arguably the most comprehensive & extensive radio app in the App Store - www.iphoneappreviews.net

*New! Browse talk shows in Radio RooLette
*New! Universal/iPad version. Buy once, use it on all your devices!
*New! Airplay support! Stream audio to your Apple TV!

Its strongest asset [is] the large, global database of streaming radio stations - iLounge

One of Tech Digest's Top 10 Music Apps

Experience the pure enjoyment of the music and voices of the world at your fingertips!

Clean, crisp sound from over 38,000 Internet audio streams. Enjoy FM/AM live-broadcast from over 150 countries. Search the list at http://ootunes.com/stations

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

It is yours. Like Reggae? Listen to seven reggae stations in Jamaica. Classical? How about WFMT in Chicago, WGBH in Boston, Minnesota Public Radio, Radio Swiss in Bern or classical stations from Melbourne to Montreal, Strasbourg to Sydney?

Choose by genre (150 of them): Blues to Bollywood, Rap to Ragtime, Salsa to SKA, Talk to Techno. Find by country or cities of the world. Eavesdrop all over the world on local discussions, news and talk: even police calls. Left or right, listen to either side blather! Whether local or pro, catch the big game live, wherever you are.

TOTAL LISTENING PLEASURE

As your favorite songs play, savor full-screen album art*, bookmark for later, or pop over to watch it on YouTube, right in the app! Search and buy it right from iTunes. Automatic recording lets you hear it again and again!

INNOVATIVE RADIO EXPLORATION

Radio RooLette: See what's playing on 100's of stations at once. Tap to listen. It's that easy. A great way to skip commercials, find new stations, or sample a variety of music.

FEATURE RICH

Want to wake up to bedtime music from China? Set an alarm. Fall asleep listening, with a sleep timer. Record what you hear for a trip with no internet access. Find a song you hear on YouTube, all within one app. No other radio app has it all!

INFINITE OPTIONS

College stations, AM/FM stations, Shoutcast, weather, police, fire, aircraft and emergency radio, Live365, or live professional hockey games. Jam to 1000's of live concerts your parents wouldn't let you attend from the Live Music Archive at archive.org.

MULTITASKING

MP3 and AAC+ streams allow you to stream while using other apps, or use the app's own web browser to surf while you listen.

QUANTITY AND QUALITY

Fast searches. Quick connections. Easy navigation using "favorites," "recently played," "most played" or your own "custom categories."

App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 4.0.5 (September 23, 2025):

Support for iOS26
Dark / Light Mode
Bug fixes and improvements
More to come...

Additional Details

PiccyBot

From the App Store:

PiccyBot makes media accessible if you are blind or have low vision. Use PiccyBot to convert photos and videos into spoken descriptions, pose questions in the text field, and zoom in for specific details. PiccyBot answers any image or video related query with a clear calm voice.

Key Features:

  1. Video and Image Description: Launch PiccyBot and either use the camera or select an image or video from your gallery. PiccyBot analyzes the visual content and provides a detailed description.
  2. Converse with PiccyBot: Ask follow-up questions about the image or video to get more specific information like "What does this image signify?" or "What colors are in this scene?".
  3. Share media from apps: Instantly share photos & videos from your favorite social apps with PiccyBot. Use the share feature of your app and then select PiccyBot to share it to. PiccyBot will then process the video or image and provide the description.
  4. Voice Output: A clear, natural-sounding voice reads out descriptions, making it easy to understand visual content.

Unlock Premium Benefits:

  1. Experience PiccyBot without interruptions. Enjoy an ads-free environment.
  2. Enhance your image and video interpretation with personalised voice choices, adjustable description length, a selection of multiple AI engines and longer and more detailed video descriptions.
  3. Choose from 55 languages in the PiccyBot settings to create the description.
  4. Multiple Sharing Options: Share as audio only, video with audio mix, or description only.
  5. Audio-Video Mixing: Combine original video audio with generated audio descriptions.
App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 2.31 (September 3, 2025):

  • Updated and streamlined the settings layout
  • Added additional setting to turn the automatic paste feature on or off
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements
Version 2.32 (September 9, 2025)
  • Fixed VoiceOver support for AI model details
  • Added localization support for settings screen
  • Bug fixes and performance improvements

Version 2.33 (September 27, 2025)

  • Bug fixes and performance improvements
Additional Details

ScribeMe

From the App Store:

Introducing Live Assist, the world’s first real-time AI video assistant made for blind and visually impaired users. With just one tap, it helps you find objects, read text, navigate unfamiliar places, and understand your surroundings instantly. Simple, fast, and reliable, Live Assist gives you greater freedom and independence every day.

ScribeMe is your all in one AI-powered assistant for making documents and images fully accessible. Instantly scan PowerPoints and PDFs, and the app automatically preserves formatting by labeling headings, lists, and tables—while generating detailed alt text to make your files 100% accessible. With advanced OCR in over 50 languages, ScribeMe extracts text with high accuracy and even lets you ask AI questions about your documents, from quick summaries to deep insights.

With Snap nScribe, you can take photos using your camera or choose from your gallery to receive detailed descriptions of product labels, surroundings, and more. Upload multiple images at once for fast, thorough results, and ask follow-up questions on any photo. You can also share documents or photos directly from other apps to ScribeMe, giving you instant AI-powered assistance for reading, understanding, and exploring content with ease.

App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 2.2 (September 22, 2025):

Added Live Assist (Beta)

Version 2.5 (September 30, 2025):

Fixed Bugs

Additional Details

TableEx

Discover accessible board & card games made for the visually impaired. Play, chat, and connect –

TableEx is a unique and inclusive mobile app designed specifically for the visually impaired, bringing classic board and card games to your fingertips with full screen reader support and intuitive gesture controls. Whether you want to play solo, with friends, or just watch others play – TableEx makes it possible in a fun and accessible way.

Available Games:

  • 99 (the classic card game)
  • Dominoes
  • Snakes and Ladders

Key Features:

  • Fully accessible with screen readers (TalkBack, VoiceOver)
  • Custom gesture controls – no visual input needed
  • Online multiplayer: play with friends or other players worldwide
  • Live voice chat + text chat for communication
  • Add and invite friends to game tables
  • Spectator mode – watch games without joining

Why TableEx? Because gaming should be for everyone. TableEx isn't just about playing – it's about connecting, competing, and having fun in a way that feels natural and intuitive for the visually impaired community.

App Store Release Notes for September 2025 Updates

Version 1.4.1 (September 12, 2025):

Some issues have been fixed and improvements were made.

Version 1.5.0 (September 20, 2025)

New Game Added: Penalty Kicks

  • In this game, 2 or 4 players can play.
  • If there are only 2 players, each will be both a goalkeeper and a player.
  • Game idea: The player kicks the ball, then it’s the goalkeeper’s turn to predict and block it in 3 directions: right, left, or center.
  • If there are 4 players, they will form 2 teams, with each player assigned a role: goalkeeper or player.
  • At the start of each game, each player chooses the character they want to play, which costs 1 coin. The goalkeeper also selects their role if applicable.
  • You can choose how to play for more information.

Teams Added to Ludo

  • You can now play as 2 teams.
  • When starting the game, the owner chooses whether to play in teams or not.
  • If "Yes" is selected, the team is chosen by the player who rolls a 6 before selecting a color. The player can also choose any other player to join their team.
  • In team mode, the game is generally like the solo mode. The team aspect comes into play when one player finishes entering all their pieces; they can then help their teammate finish theirs.
  • After all players finish their pieces, the team wins.
  • Team color arrangement: Red with Green, Yellow with Blue.
  • Red can capture Blue pieces, and Yellow can capture Green pieces.

Moto Strike Updates

  • The distance per lap is now 1400 instead of 2000.
  • Sharp and light turns to the right or left were removed; only regular right or left turns are allowed.
  • Players can choose the number of laps at the start.

General Updates

  • Kicking or banning a bot from a table no longer costs coins.
  • Creating tables now costs 3 coins instead of 4.
  • Number of ads increased from 6 to 10, with a reward of 3 coins per ad, giving 30 coins/hour instead of 24.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed an issue preventing the player from selecting a card action after reconnecting (e.g., in 99, if you had 10, you couldn’t choose).
  • Fixed a bug that allowed a player to enter the table multiple times.
  • Fixed a bug that made the bot the table owner.
  • Fixed voice chat issues such as staying in the chat even after being kicked.
  • Fixed replacing a player in Domino when in team mode, and bots not joining after a teammate leaves.

Version 1.6.0 (September 25, 2025):

New Game Added: UNO

Enjoy the classic card game with simple, fun, and fast-paced gameplay. Match colors and numbers, use special action cards, and be the first to shout “UNO!” to win.

Ludo Update

When two of your pieces land on the same square, they now form a safe spot. Opponents cannot capture or send them back to home.

Moto Strike Adjustments

Increased the chances of speed cards appearing, making the game more dynamic and exciting.

Additional Details

Recent Software Releases

Apple releases iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1 with fix for VoiceOver loss of speech

By AppleVis | September 29, 2025

Apple has today released iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1; bringing several bug fixes, including for an issue that caused some users to lose VoiceOver speech either immediately after installing iOS 26 or upon a subsequent reboot of the device.

Read More: "Apple releases iOS 26.0.1 and iPadOS 26.0.1 with fix for VoiceOver loss of speech"

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26: A Summary of VoiceOver and Braille Issues and Improvements

By AppleVis | September 15, 2025

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 were released to the public on Monday, September 15, 2025. This post contains a summary of new bugs and fixes impacting VoiceOver and Braille support that we have independently validated during our use and testing of these releases.

The information contained in this post is compiled from our own use and testing of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 during the beta period from June to September 2025; as well as from reports submitted by others through our Community Bug Program. Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who so generously took the time to share their findings with us.

Read More: "iOS 26 and iPadOS 26: A Summary of VoiceOver and Braille Issues and Improvements"

macOS Tahoe: New Features, Changes, Improvements, and Bugs for Blind, DeafBlind, and Low Vision Users

By AppleVis | September 15, 2025

Apple has today released macOS 26 Tahoe to the public. As usual, we won’t cover the mainstream features here, concentrating instead on what's new and changed for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users. For an overview of the mainstream changes, we recommend this in-depth review by MacStories.

Please remember to check the section about bugs to see if now is the right time to upgrade. There’s no harm in holding off a few weeks or months to let Apple address a problem you may find too disruptive to deal with.

A note to braille users: the AppleVis team members doing testing with macOS Tahoe are not heavy braille users. We have no information as to how well braille works in this release, so please keep this in mind when upgrading. If you are a braille user who has experience with Tahoe, please share your findings in the comments to help the community.

Read More: "macOS Tahoe: New Features, Changes, Improvements, and Bugs for Blind, DeafBlind, and Low Vision Users"

What's New in iOS 26 Accessibility for Blind and DeafBlind Users

By Scott Davert | September 13, 2025

Fall is almost here in the Northern Hemisphere, which means it’s time for another major release of iOS for the public. While some of the information in this article may be new to readers, this year’s changes started being discussed in the spring. Prior to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced several new features coming to their devices in the fall. Fast forward to June, and the mainstream also received a lot of announcements about what's coming in iOS 26.

Many outlets online will cover iOS 26’s mainstream changes in great detail. Some of them include a new design throughout the entire operating system called "Liquid Glass.” Apple describes Liquid Glass as follows: "
 a new dynamic material that combines the optical properties of glass with a sense of fluidity. Liquid Glass refracts content from below it, reflects light from around it, and has a gorgeous lensing effect along its edges." Because of this dramatic change, I would strongly recommend all low vision users take a look at something other than their main device before installing. Other mainstream changes include Live Translation & Visual Intelligence through ChatGPT, CarPlay enhancements such as integration of Live Activities, Live Activities themselves opening up to third parties, new calling and texting features, and much more. For a well-documented list of mainstream features in iOS 26, this article from Wired is a good place to start.

iOS 26 is compatible with the iPhone 11 and later. For a list of all supported devices, consult this Article from CNET We're here to discuss the changes in accessibility for those who are blind and DeafBlind. As in every other year, I'm unable to comment firsthand on any low vision changes. It’s my hope that others will share their experiences from that perspective to help educate low vision users on the update's impact. Space constraints do not permit me to explore such things as Voice Control, Switch Control, Assistive Access, Assistive Touch, Head Tracking and other changes. I encourage all users to go to their favorite accessibility settings and visit the "What's New" section Apple has provided in many locations.

Read More: "What's New in iOS 26 Accessibility for Blind and DeafBlind Users"

Apple Releases iOS 26 and iPadOS 26

By AppleVis | September 15, 2025

Apple has today released iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 to the public, bringing several new features for VoiceOver and braille users; and many changes, including a visual redesign; improvements to Apple Intelligence; and new capabilities for Phone, Messages, and more. There are also additional iPad-specific features in iPadOS 26.

iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 introduce Liquid Glass, a new design language for the user interface. Apple says that "Liquid Glass makes interactions across iOS more delightful, refracts and reflects content in real time, and brings even more focus to what you’re viewing on your screen." Apple further adds that "App icons get a fresh new look with Liquid Glass, and there are more ways to customize them with updated light or dark appearances, new color-tinted icons, and a new clear look."

For blind and DeafBlind users, our experience has been that the Liquid Glass user interface does not have a significant impact on VoiceOver functionality. The only changes some of our team have observed are that tappable targets on toolbars feel a bit smaller, making location of UI elements by touch slightly more difficult. Also, the Search functionality for many apps has been relocated to the bottom of the screen, whereas in previous versions of iOS, search options were at the top.

We were unfortunately not able to assess the impact of Liquid Glass on the low vision user experience. We recommend that low vision users try iOS 26 on a secondary device prior to installing it on a primary device. Also, the transparency-related settings in Settings> Accessibility> Display and Text Size may be of help. If you have low vision and have experience with the Liquid Glass interface, we would love to hear your opinions on its accessibility.

Read More: "Apple Releases iOS 26 and iPadOS 26"

Apple Releases watchOS 26

By AppleVis | September 15, 2025

Apple has today released watchOS 26 for the Apple Watch Series 6 and later.

watchOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a new visual design language for the interface. Apple says that Liquid Glass "introduces more vitality to interactions across watchOS, refracts and reflects content in real time, and brings even more clarity to Smart Stack, Control Center, navigation, in-app controls, and more."

For VoiceOver users, we did not experience any changes in watchOS related to the Liquid Glass interface. We were not able to assess the impact of Liquid Glass on the low vision user experience, and we recommend that low vision users try the interface on a secondary device prior to installing the update on their Apple Watch. Based on descriptions of the user interface changes, we believe the two contrast-related options in Accessibility settings (Reduce Transparency and Increase Contrast) may also be of help; but again, we must stress that we have no way of assessing this firsthand. We would greatly appreciate hearing from low vision users as to their experiences with accessibility of the new Liquid Glass interface.

Read More: "Apple Releases watchOS 26"

Apple Releases tvOS 26

By AppleVis | September 15, 2025

Apple has today released tvOS 26 to the public.

Our team was unfortunately unable to test tvOS 26 during the beta cycle, and thus we do not have any information as to whether this release contains any improvements or regressions for VoiceOver, braille, or low vision accessibility. We are starting this post in hopes that it will serve as a place for the community to share and discuss any and all information related to the tvOS 26 release.

Read More: "Apple Releases tvOS 26"

Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, watchOS 26.0.2, and tvOS 26.0.1

By AppleVis | September 29, 2025

Apple has today released macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, watchOS 26.0.2, and tvOS 26.0.1: bringing several fixes, including for an issue that prevented macOS Tahoe from being installed on the Mac Studio with M3 Ultra.

As macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, watchOS 26.0.2, and tvOS 26.0.1 were not distributed to external testers prior to their release, we do not have any information on whether they contain any accessibility fixes for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users at the time of writing. However, as these updates appear to have been released to address a small set of specific issues, we do not expect them to contain any such fixes.

Read More: "Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.0.1, watchOS 26.0.2, and tvOS 26.0.1"

Other News and Views

A Week With My New Little Buddies - AirPods Pro 3

By Oliver | September 30, 2025

Like always, I was tempted by the great green fruit's autumnal offerings: the understated yet feature-packed iPhone 17, the muscular might of the iPhone 17 Pro, and its bigger slab of a brother, the supermodel-skinny iPhone Air... And yet, I was good, virtuous, some might say. Though, I couldn’t not buy anything—that’s just nuts.

So, on launch day I received a little box, and in that little box was another little box, and in that little box were two little earbuds... Surprise! It was the AirPods Pro 3!

Read More: "A Week With My New Little Buddies - AirPods Pro 3"

Am I crazy, or could I go back to the iPhone 12 mini?

By Dave Nason | September 25, 2025

It’s throwing no shade on Apple, quite the opposite arguably, when I say that iPhones just don’t get that much better year on year anymore. They’ve reached a really high level, and so can last even the most nerdy among us, a very long time.

As regular visitors to AppleVis may have read, I have been mulling over the idea of purchasing the iPhone Air of late. Funnily enough, this took even me by surprise as all year I have been absolutely determined that I do not need, or even want, a new iPhone this year. My iPhone 15 Pro, aside from some battery degradation, is performing perfectly. Even the rumours about the iPhone Air before it was announced didn’t particularly sway me. Since the Apple event however, for whatever reason, I admit the desire has grown a little.

This summer I once again took part in beta testing the new version of iOS, iOS 26. Many people test on a secondary device, but I decided to do things the other way around. I put iOS 26 beta on my primary device, the iPhone 15 Pro, and took my old iPhone 12 mini out of the drawer, running iOS 18, to have there as an emergency backup device should I need it.

As it turns out, I didn’t need it, but I did find myself picking it up and playing around with it. It was my favourite ever iPhone, and I think it still is. I love the small and light form factor, pocketable and easy to hold and use in one hand. What perhaps surprised me though was that I did not feel a significant drop off in speed and performance. I admit I haven’t yet tried to use it as my daily driver again, so maybe I would notice more over time, but I’m convinced these phones really can be used for years if you want to. Of course many people are doing just that.

Maybe I just like having something new, even if it’s something old! So what if I did move on from my 15 Pro, except not to a shiny new 2025 model, but instead back in time to the 12 mini? How crazy is this idea? What would I actually miss?

Read More: "Am I crazy, or could I go back to the iPhone 12 mini?"

iPhone 17 Pro Max: Some (Very Early) Initial Impressions

By Michael Hansen | September 19, 2025

Apple released its 2025 iPhones today. I was able to preorder an iPhone 17 Pro Max, and have spent the last couple hours setting it up. While the selling point of the iPhone 17 Pro Max was the increased battery life (something I obviously have not been able to test yet), I found myself surprised and impressed in other ways.

Read More: "iPhone 17 Pro Max: Some (Very Early) Initial Impressions"

Recapping Apple's "Awe Dropping" September 2025 Event

By Mehgcap | September 9, 2025

Today, Apple announced new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro at its "Awe Dropping" media event. Here's a quick summary, for those who don't care about the details. Jump to the next heading to skip the summary and get to the good stuff.

  • Version 26 of iOS, watchOS, macOS, and so on will be released on Monday, September 15.
  • iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and Air increase screen durability and visibility, offer better battery life, have improved cameras, and are a bit faster for machine learning and other AI tasks
  • Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 have the same tough screen coating and visibility improvements, 5G and satellite support, hypertension detection, sleep score with analysis, and improved battery life (24 hours for Series 11, 42 hours for Ultra 3)
  • Apple Watch SE 3 has the same chip as Series 10, 5G, fast charging, and support for newer features like sleep score and wrist gestures
  • AirPods Pro 3 have twice as good ANC as the previous model, better sound, a better fit, redesigned tips that come in five sizes instead of three, live language translation, and fitness tracking that tracks heart rate and estimates calorie burn

Read More: "Recapping Apple's "Awe Dropping" September 2025 Event"

This Month in Podcasts

Note: All podcasts include AI-generated transcripts. Transcripts are available by visiting the 'Transcript' link below each episode.

What’s New in iOS 26 Accessibility

In this episode, Thomas Domville (AnonyMouse) dives deep into the exciting new accessibility features in iOS 26. From improved VoiceOver experiences to powerful tools for customization and ease of use, this update offers meaningful improvements for blind, low-vision, and accessibility-focused users.

Whether you’re a long-time VoiceOver user or just curious about Apple’s accessibility innovations, this episode guides you through the highlights with real examples, demonstrations, and practical insights.

Listen to "What’s New in iOS 26 Accessibility" Transcript: "What’s New in iOS 26 Accessibility"

A Demonstration of Screen Sharing with VoiceOver on macOS

In this episode, Levi Gobin demonstrates screen sharing with VoiceOver on macOS. Levi first shows us the Screen Sharing settings in VoiceOver Utility, then demonstrates controlling another Mac using the Screen Sharing app.

Starting with macOS Tahoe 26, VoiceOver can be used to control another Mac remotely using the built-in Screen Sharing facility, either through FaceTime or Messages for controlling Macs over the Internet, or Finder or the Screen Sharing app (located in the Utilities folder) for controlling Macs on your local network. When controlling another Mac, VoiceOver can be configured to use a different voice or cursor color, in order to differentiate your Mac from the remote one.

Listen to "A Demonstration of Screen Sharing with VoiceOver on macOS" Transcript: "A Demonstration of Screen Sharing with VoiceOver on macOS"

Gamers Corner: May to August 2025 Edition

Welcome to Gamers Corner

Welcome to the very first edition of Gamers Corner, a brand-new show from AppleVis hosted by Thomas Domville (AnonyMouse), with co-hosts Aaron Spelker and Jesse Anderson. This inaugural episode marks the beginning of a seasonal series that will run three or four times a year, depending on the pace of major game releases.

Gamers Corner was created to provide blind and low vision gamers with a dedicated space to discover new titles, revisit hidden gems, and explore accessibility in mainstream and indie games alike. Each edition will highlight standout iOS games, feature community-driven insights, and showcase accessible titles across other platforms. Our goal is to capture the excitement of gaming while maintaining a critical eye on design, accessibility, and overall player experience.

In this debut issue, we dive into two ambitious iOS games that generated plenty of discussion, explore Aaron’s “Vault Treasure” pick from the past, and finish with Jesse’s console recommendation that proves accessibility is expanding beyond mobile platforms.

Listen to "Gamers Corner: May to August 2025 Edition" Transcript: "Gamers Corner: May to August 2025 Edition"

How Copied Speech Transforms Productivity on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville demos the new Copied Speech rotor option in iOS 26 for VoiceOver. Think of it as a lightweight clipboard history: it remembers what you copied with VoiceOver and lets you paste from the last ten copied items directly via the rotor, making multi-item copy/paste (like app titles and release notes) fast and accessible.

Listen to "How Copied Speech Transforms Productivity on iOS" Transcript: "How Copied Speech Transforms Productivity on iOS"

Goodbye 9 Minutes — Hello Custom Snooze! in Alarm on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville explains that, prior to iOS 26, the default alarm snooze was fixed at 9 minutes with no way to change it. In iOS 26, you can set a custom snooze duration directly in the Clock app when creating or editing an alarm. The episode walks through the exact steps with VoiceOver cues so screen-reader users can follow along comfortably.

Listen to "Goodbye 9 Minutes — Hello Custom Snooze! in Alarm on iOS" Transcript: "Goodbye 9 Minutes — Hello Custom Snooze! in Alarm on iOS"

Taming the Magic Tap: Stop Accidental Media Playback on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville explains how to stop the two-finger Magic Tap gesture from unexpectedly starting or pausing media playback. If you hang up a call or use Magic Tap in other contexts and your audiobook or music begins playing when you didn’t intend it to, this setting lets you turn that behavior off (and back on later if needed).

Listen to "Taming the Magic Tap: Stop Accidental Media Playback on iOS" Transcript: "Taming the Magic Tap: Stop Accidental Media Playback on iOS"

Starting Fresh: How to Reset VoiceOver Settings on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville demonstrates a new iOS feature that lets you reset VoiceOver settings back to factory defaults—useful when settings have become confusing or inconsistent. He walks through where the option lives, how to activate it, and the consequences (you’ll lose all customizations).

Listen to "Starting Fresh: How to Reset VoiceOver Settings on iOS" Transcript: "Starting Fresh: How to Reset VoiceOver Settings on iOS"

Smarter Battery Saving with iOS Adaptive Power

In this episode, Thomas Domville walks through Apple’s new Adaptive Power mode in iOS, explaining what it does, which devices support it, what trade-offs to expect, and how to turn it on. You’ll learn how the system uses on-device intelligence to detect unusually power-hungry apps or tasks and gently throttle performance to extend battery life—plus how this differs from the traditional Low Power Mode.

Listen to "Smarter Battery Saving with iOS Adaptive Power" Transcript: "Smarter Battery Saving with iOS Adaptive Power"

Compact vs Classic: Choosing Your Safari Tab Style

In this episode, Thomas Domville walks through Safari’s new Tabs layout options in iOS 26, explains the default Compact view, and shows how to switch between Compact, Bottom, and Top tab layouts. The demo is VoiceOver-centric, with practical navigation tips (rotor use, headings, and screen-edge gestures) to make changing this setting quick and repeatable.

Listen to "Compact vs Classic: Choosing Your Safari Tab Style" Transcript: "Compact vs Classic: Choosing Your Safari Tab Style"

Classic vs. Unified: Choosing Your Phone View on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville walks through the redesigned Phone app in iOS 26. The episode explains the difference between the new Unified view and the legacy Classic view, shows how to switch between them, and highlights where previously familiar items—like Voicemail—now live. Throughout, Thomas shares VoiceOver-friendly steps and tips to make navigation faster and less confusing.

Listen to "Classic vs. Unified: Choosing Your Phone View on iOS" Transcript: "Classic vs. Unified: Choosing Your Phone View on iOS"

Quiet the Noise: Managing VoiceOver Sensory Overload on iOS

In this episode, Thomas Domville (also known as AnonyMouse) walks listeners through the new and customizable VoiceOver sounds and haptic feedback options introduced in iOS. Thomas highlights how these features can be especially helpful for users who experience sensory overload or prefer a more tailored accessibility experience.

Listeners will learn how to access, adjust, and personalize VoiceOver sound effects and haptics, including how to change volumes, intensities, and even toggle individual sounds on or off.

Listen to "Quiet the Noise: Managing VoiceOver Sensory Overload on iOS" Transcript: "Quiet the Noise: Managing VoiceOver Sensory Overload on iOS"

Quick Tip: Assigning a braille display command to tell the time on iOS

In this short AppleVis episode, host Scott Davert walks through how to bind a custom braille display command that instantly announces and brailles the current date and time on an iPhone. The motivation is simple: while the lock screen shows the time, that isn’t always convenient; a dedicated braille command lets you check the time anywhere without leaving what you’re doing.

The conversation centers on VoiceOver’s braille command customization inside iOS. Scott explains that, as of this recording, iOS does not offer an equivalent mapping for a connected QWERTY keyboard or a native touchscreen gesture; he hopes Apple adds those options later. He also points out a brief “silent” behavior in one of the command menus where speech may stop speaking; there’s a quick recovery keystroke for that. Finally, he clarifies that longer braille displays can show the entire date and time on one line, while shorter displays (like 20-cell units) may require a single pan forward to reveal all details.

Listen to "Quick Tip: Assigning a braille display command to tell the time on iOS" Transcript: "Quick Tip: Assigning a braille display command to tell the time on iOS"

AppleVis Extra 111: Recapping Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 2025 Event

In this edition of the AppleVis Extra, Michael Hansen, Tyler Stephen, Geo Bahena, and Levi Gobin get together to discuss Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 2025 event.

Listen to "AppleVis Extra 111: Recapping Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 2025 Event" Transcript: "AppleVis Extra 111: Recapping Apple's 'Awe Dropping' September 2025 Event"

New and Updated Guides

A Beginner's Guide to Using iOS with VoiceOver [for iOS 26]

By Tyler | Updated September, 2025

If you’re new to or thinking about getting an iPhone, you may be wondering, as I was at one time, “How, exactly, can a person who can’t see a screen use a device whose primary input surface is one?”

I would soon realize that it wasn’t nearly as crazy as it sounded, and that I could do things with it that I couldn’t have imagined that would increase my level of independence and improve my overall quality of life. However, if you’re just getting started, the level of information on the Internet can be overwhelming. That is why in this guide, I will provide a series of tips, organized by heading and subheading, along with links to more comprehensive guides and podcast episodes from across the AppleVis website.

Keep in mind that this guide is not intended to describe specific features, but rather to explain the central concepts of using iOS with VoiceOver. One quality that I’ve observed in my over ten years of learning and using iOS is that once I had a few things mastered, I could apply those skills to accomplish a wide variety of tasks in both first and third-party apps.

Read More: "A Beginner's Guide to Using iOS with VoiceOver"

A Beginner's Guide to Using macOS with VoiceOver [for macOS Tahoe]

By Tyler | Updated September, 2025

If you’re new to the Mac, learning and mastering the VoiceOver screen reader can seem daunting at first. In an attempt to streamline the search for essential getting-started information across the AppleVis website, I will provide a series of tips, along with links to more comprehensive guides and podcast episodes, organized by heading and subheading.

From personal experience, I have found that one of the most effective ways to learn a new screen reader is to read documentation with another more familiar one. For example, you could start reading this guide on iOS, Android, or Windows, gradually try various things on macOS, and finally, see how you do relying on VoiceOver in macOS in addition to or in place of your other screen reader.

Read More: "A Beginner's Guide to Using macOS with VoiceOver"

Navigating Bookmarks in Safari on iOS 26: A VoiceOver-Friendly Guide [For iOS 26]

By Brian | September 28, 2025

With each iOS update, Apple continues to refine the Safari experience. For VoiceOver users, these changes can feel subtle but meaningful. If you’ve recently upgraded to iOS 26 and want to manage your bookmarks with confidence, this guide will walk you through the updated process and highlight what’s new.

Read More: "Navigating Bookmarks in Safari on iOS 26: A VoiceOver-Friendly Guide"

Instructional: This is how you install Windows 11 on Mac using Parallels. V2.0

By Oliver | September 4, 2025

A short, clear guide for blind users on macOS Sonoma to set up Parallels and run Windows 11 as a virtual machine.

  • Uses VOCR for inaccessible screens.
  • Uses Karabiner-Elements on macOS to map Caps Lock → Insert.
  • Uses SharpKeys in Windows to map Insert → Caps Lock, so Narrator can use Caps Lock as its modifier.
  • Focuses on the App Store edition of Parallels, with notes for the Standalone edition if you need advanced features.

Read More: "Instructional: This is how you install Windows 11 on Mac using Parallels. V2.0"

Don't Dial it, Auto Dial it! A Guide to Dialing Extensions and Hard-to-Remember Numbers on a Call automatically [For iOS 26]

By Levi Gobin | September 24, 2025

Have you ever wondered if there was a way your phone could just dial into an automated system without you needing to dial anything? Turns out, you can do just that.

Read More: "Don't Dial it, Auto Dial it! A Guide to Dialing Extensions and Hard-to-Remember Numbers on a Call automatically"

Popular Topics

Below is a selection of popular topics on the AppleVis Forum during September 2025:

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