Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is coming upWorldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) is coming up, and it's getting harder and harder to wait. Exciting rumors are swirling around the massive event that offers "early access to the future of iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS," and one of the most credible suggests that iOS 18 and macOS 15 will include groundbreaking accessibility features as Apple looks to set new standards for the industry. There's a lot of smoke around the idea that these new features could include things like voice-activated shortcuts, expanded use of the Live Listen category to help users with hearing aids, and the arrival of even more granular font size controls for the whole ecosystem.
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| Apple's Features in iOS 18 and macOS 15 |
Voice Shortcuts: A Game-Changer in Accessibility
One of the more interesting features rumored to come with iOS 18 and macOS 15 is Voice Shortcuts. Similar to Siri Shortcuts, Voice Shortcuts should take user interaction to the next level by allowing a user to map an Accessibility feature to a specific spoken phrase. This could eliminate the need for a wake phrase like "Hey, Siri," making using speech to have the user's device do something useful even more seamless.
In a world where Sound Actions in Apple Vision Pro are a thing, this could completely change the way that users with any level of ability interact with their devices. Apple Vision Pro allows someone to map system actions and shortcuts to a specific sound, like a hiss, or a cluck, and it would be amazing.
Industry insiders suggest that Voice Shortcuts might be limited to the activation of key accessibility features like VoiceOver, Voice Control, and others. This could significantly enhance the accessibility of Apple devices for users with diverse needs, making the interaction more intuitive and personalized.
Live Speech Categories: A Systematic Upgrade
Another exciting possibility on the horizon is the eventual development of Live Speech categories. Users may soon be able to create spoken phrases on the fly and manage the categories. This would be due to a new extensive upgrade which includes categories that can be organized and managed, which are designated by 20 available icons. This upgrade is designed to make it even easier and more efficient to navigate through your most often-spoken phrases.
Essentially, Apple is building on top of the foundation of the "Personal Voice for Live Speech" feature which it outed last fall. With that, users can synthesize a version of their voice for all machine-speaking needs. But, by allowing for categories, that process should be a more streamlined. Instead of wading through a sea of personalized phrases, a well-organized hierarchy means that you can find things you've taught Siri to say far more easily.
Font Sizing Revolution: macOS 15 Takes the Lead
In the realm of font customization, iOS and macOS have long supported users being able to adjust what size they'd like their type set in on a per-app basis. The forthcoming macOS 15 is going to revolutionize this kind of font control by adding the ability to things like Books, News, and Stocks -- all of which are currently lacking this kind of support in some of Apple's system apps.
Our reading has come a long way since the first time we saw an iPad down to the News app on our iPhone X and now it looks like our reading, in these three apps at least, is about to take another step forward: Whether you've been letting your eyes dance across the pages inside the Books app, or if you're the type that likes to let the News or Stocks app read out to you, each one should be even more enjoyable to interact with come the fall. Its safe to assume this means you'll still be able to change your font in Calendar, Finder, Mail, Messages, and Notes.
Rumors are also circulating about a potential feature that would enable users to adjust the macOS menu bar font, adding an extra layer of customization to the overall interface. While unconfirmed, this speculation hints at Apple's commitment to providing users with a versatile and personalized computing experience.
The Uncertain Future: Testing Grounds and Speculations
Keep in mind that, while this blog has some very credible information, the notoriously unpredictable nature of software development means that not every one of these rumored features will necessarily make it to the final release. The company is famous for being very careful about what it approves for its flagship software, so we’ll have to remain patient as we begin to find out which innovations will ultimately be announced alongside iOS 18 and macOS 15.
Apple’s WWDC is coming up, and historic patterns would point to a date for the event somewhere in the first or second week of June. It’ll be interesting to find out when the iPhone maker will land when WWDC lands, considering it will no longer be an in-person event, save for what could be a very limited number of attendees. We shouldn’t have to wait too long for an official announcement, however. Apple typically unveils the official date sometime in May, giving fans plenty of time to clear their schedules.
In conclusion, the speculated accessibility features in iOS 18 and macOS 15 promise to elevate the user experience to unprecedented heights. Voice Shortcuts, Live Speech categories, and enhanced font size control collectively showcase Apple's commitment to inclusivity and user-centric design. As we eagerly await the unveiling at WWDC, the tech world braces for another leap forward in Apple's relentless pursuit of innovation.
FAQs: Unveiling Apple's Revolutionary Accessibility Features in iOS 18 and macOS 15
What groundbreaking accessibility features are rumored for iOS 18 and macOS 15?
Exciting rumors suggest that Apple is gearing up to introduce groundbreaking accessibility features, including voice-activated shortcuts, expanded Live Listen categories, and more granular font size controls, as part of the iOS 18 and macOS 15 ecosystem.
What makes Voice Shortcuts with accessibility so significant?
In a word, a lot.With Voice Shortcuts, Apple could take a concept like Siri Shortcuts and let you map an accessibility feature to a specific spoken phrase. This could eliminate the need for wake phrases like "Hey, Siri" and let people with motor control issues or who are visually impaired control their iPhone or Mac via speech and nothing but speech.
How does Voice Shortcuts compare to Sound Actions in Apple Vision Pro?
Voice Shortcuts appear to build on the Sound Actions found in the working model. This lets users map system actions to specific Sound Actions. It's this approach that could change the way users, regardless of their capabilities, interact with their Apple devices.
What might voice Shortcuts be able to activate?
Some in the industry have said that Voice Shortcuts could be limited to allowing the activation of key accessibility features from voice like VoiceOver, Voice Control and others. That could certainly make Apple devices much more accessible for those with diverse needs.