As usual in June, Apple has recently concluded the opening presentation of WWDC. This year brought us version 14 of iOS, iPadOS, and tvOS, as well as watchOS 7 and macOS 11. Yes, macOS 11, not 10.16. The final announcement wasn't just about software, though, but hardware: Apple is moving its entire Mac lineup to custom chips it will be designing itself, and it's starting the process this year. Maybe that's why macOS got a whole new number?
Today, Apple told us what to expect in the next round of software updates, coming this fall. While the focus was, unsurprisingly, AI, there is more than just that to be excited about. Let's dive into what you can look forward to on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV later this year. Or next year, in some cases; as has become common in the last few years, Apple announced features it won't be rolling out until well after the software's initial release.
Apple's highly anticipated annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicked off today with the customary keynote presentation. During the event, Apple unveiled the next major updates to all its software platforms and introduced the much-awaited mixed-reality headset and some new Mac models.
Our editorial team member Alex (‘mehgcap’), who typically provides detailed event summaries, regrets being unable to do so this time due to work commitments.
Now that sounds a bit geographical, doesn't it? As Apple's World Wide developers Conference (WWDC) is on the horizon, Apple's App Store is down. It's to be held later today in San Francisco and many analysts believe iOS 6 will be unveiled there along with some hardware-related pieces of news and, perhaps, a couple of surprises. No one knows the very exact features of iOS 6 other than what some tend to call Google-free 3D maps and better photo-sharing. So, as you see, guessing its accessibility features is even more laborious.
No big announcements yet other than the fact that so far 30 billion apps have been downloaded and that the Store has 400 million accounts but, guys, this is really terrific! WWDC attendees are now watching a video in which a blind person who lives near a jungle can find his way there using his iPhone. A developer is also talking about how his app can help the visually impaired. Yet again, this is Apple's difference with the rest of the big companies out there. Accessibility has a special place in a high-profile all-purpose event like this!
Just released in the App Store is Viskey, an alternate iOS keyboard for low vision users from the developers of the highly regarded MBraille.
Viskey brings you an easy to use and accessible keyboard without sacrificing modern features. You can enjoy spelling support, auto-correction and capitalization. Existing text can be reviewed with an unmatched zoom using cursor keys.
Features include:
We are excited to announce the launch of our Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card and invite you to participate in the survey that will determine the report card ratings.
We are pleased to announce that voting for the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards of 2018 is now open; read on to find out which apps and developers have been shortlisted and how to cast your vote.
First launched in 2012, the AppleVis Golden Apples is an opportunity for blind and low vision users of Apple products to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making and maintaining great and accessible applications over the last twelve months.
We are pleased and excited to announce that voting for the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards of 2015 is now open. Read on to see which apps and developers have been shortlisted and to cast your own votes.
The AppleVis Golden Apple Awards is our community's opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making great and accessible iOS and OS X applications over the last twelve months.
To be eligible for consideration for the Golden Apple Awards of 2015, an app must:
Update 24 December: this vote is now closed. Read our announcement of the results to learn which apps and developers were chosen by the community as its Golden Apples of 2016.
Welcome to the 5th Annual AppleVis Golden Apple Awards; read on to see which apps and developers have been shortlisted and to cast your own votes.
We are pleased to announce that voting is now open for the AppleVis Golden Apple Awards of 2017; read on to find out which apps and developers have been shortlisted and how to cast your votes.
First launched in 2012, the AppleVis Golden Apples is an opportunity for blind and low vision users of Apple products to recognize and acknowledge the hard work and dedication which developers have put into making and maintaining great and accessible iOS and macOS applications over the last twelve months.
Are you passionate about the use of Apple products, particularly macOS accessibility and beta testing? Do you have some free time that you would like to put towards serving the community? If so, AppleVis may have an exciting volunteer opportunity for you!
AppleVis' mission is to empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision to get the most from Apple products and services. Founded in 2010 and now a Be My Eyes company, AppleVis is lead by a small team of both employees and volunteers.
We are pleased to announce that voting for the 2016 inductees into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is now open.
First opened in 2011, the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is one of the ways in which the AppleVis community seeks to recognize developers of accessible iOS applications. Apps in the Hall of Fame can be liberating; empowering; life-changing; provide access to information that sighted users take for granted; or, in some cases, they can just be good fun!
We are pleased to announce that voting for the 2017 inductees into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is now open.
Now in its sixth year, the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is one of the ways in which the AppleVis community seeks to recognize developers of accessible iOS applications. Apps in the Hall of Fame can be liberating; empowering; life-changing; provide access to information that sighted users take for granted; or, in some cases, they can just be good fun!
We are pleased to announce that voting for the 2019 inductees into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is now open.
Now in its eighth year, the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame is one of the ways in which the AppleVis community seeks to recognize developers of accessible iOS applications. Apps in the Hall of Fame can be liberating; empowering; life-changing; provide access to information that sighted users take for granted; or, in some cases, they can just be good fun.
It is time for the AppleVis community to choose the next inductee into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame.
It is time for the AppleVis community to choose the next inductee into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame.
Apple has this week released the Gold Master versions of iOS 13.4 and iPadOS 13.4 to developers, and announced that these updates will be available to the public on March 24. In addition to bringing some new features and enhancements, these releases will bring fixes for a few VoiceOver, braille, and Smart Invert bugs.
Update: AppleInsider and MacRumors both now report that these updates were not meant for the public but were briefly, and inadvertently, published to the main release channel. Apple subsequently pulled the initial downloads and has re-released them as downloads exclusive to developers.
UPDATE: American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has issued a warning that there are connection issues for the Mantis and Chameleon braille displays after upgrading to iOS 14.4; and recommend that you turn off automatic updates and do not upgrade until a resolution has been found: