Apple’s Assistive Access feature, which was introduced with iOS 17, is designed to make iPhones and iPads easier to use for people with cognitive disabilities. It provides a simpler experience that can be modified to lighten the mental load on people suffering from such disorders.
Here is how Assistive Access works, and how you can set it up for a loved one to enhance their iOS or iPadOS experience.
iOS 17 is currently in beta, meaning you can only use Assistive Access right now if youinstall the iOS 17 beta on your iPhone.
What Is Assistive Access and Who Is It For?
Assistive Access revamps the design of the Home Screen and several stock apps to provide,according to Apple, “a distinct interface with high-contrast buttons and large text labels.” It only shows a few select apps on the Home Screen and gives you the option to enable which basic features you want in an app. The apps are optimized to scale to a larger interface to make it easier for people with cognitive disabilities to interact with them.
This is also particularly useful for older people who might not be very tech-savvy, as a simpler interface can be greatly beneficial for them. It’s one of severaluseful Accessibility features on Apple devices.
How to Turn On Assistive Access
If your device is running iOS 17 or later, you can turn on Assistive Access on your iPhone or iPad by going toSettings > Accessibility > Assistive Access. Tap onSet Up Assistive Access > Continue. After turning on Assistive Access for the first time, your device will automatically start the setup process.
The setup will ask you to confirm the Apple ID of the person using the device. If you are setting up the device for someone else, you’re able to change the associated Apple ID by tapping on theChange Apple IDoption. After setting the Apple ID, you can customize exactly how the feature will work.
Choose the appearance style for the Home Screen, fromGridsorRows. Then choose which apps are available when Assistive Access is turned on. Optimized apps provide a new user experience and follow Apple’s appearance guidelines. To add an app, tap on thegreen plus icon. If the app is optimized for Assistive Access, you can also configure settings such as which contacts can text you in the Messages app or which playlists you can listen to in Apple Music.
TheThings To Knowprompt will show up after customizing your settings. This gives pointers on how to use the feature. Make sure the user of the device is aware of all the points included.
Lastly, you can enable Face ID or Touch ID for the person using the device, along with a new passcode that will be used to enable or disable Assistive Access. Then you can start using the feature by hittingEnter Assistive Access Now.
How to Use Assistive Access
Upon entering Assistive Access, you will discover an entirely new Home Screen, with big app icons and a white background for additional contrast. You will also notice that only the apps you selected during the setup process will show up.
Using Apps in Assistive Access
To open an app, tap on it. Optimized apps have a redesigned UI with large buttons and labels for improved accessibility. For example, the Apple Music app has a large album cover and simpleBack,Play, andPausebuttons. The Camera app has been simplified with four big options forPhoto,Video,Video Selfie, andSelfiealong with a simplerShutterbutton.
Unoptimized apps, on the other hand, work as they normally would, but now they have a bigBackbutton to navigate between menus at the bottom of the screen. The aspect ratio of the app window is also adjusted to fit this change, but you may stillmake the text size larger for each individual app.
With Assistive Access on, you’re able to tap theOpenbutton to unlock your iPhone or iPad with Face ID after it recognizes your face. Touch ID works normally, so you can still unlock your device with your fingerprint. If Face ID or Touch ID doesn’t recognize your biometrics, you can also enter your passcode.
Exiting Assistive Access
To change any Assistive Access settings or update the device, you need to exit out of Assistive Access. to do so, simply press the power button three times, then enter the passcode you created during the setup. you’re able to re-enable Assistive Access underSettings > Accessibility > Assistive Access.
A Step in the Right Direction for Accessibility
In the vast array of accessibility features on iOS and iPadOS, Apple’s Assistive Access feature is a game-changer for people with cognitive disabilities. It provides a simple, yet powerful way to make iPhones and iPads easier to use. By simplifying the user interface and providing additional accessibility features, Assistive Access can help people with cognitive disabilities to use their devices more independently and confidently.
