Apple isn’t just pushing out another typical software update this year—they’re rewriting the rules of accessibility with iOS 19. If you think accessibility features are only for a specific group of users, think again. iOS 19 isn’t just leveling the playing field, it’s setting a new standard for inclusive tech.

So, what exactly is iOS 19?

iOS 19 is the next big software update for iPhones. It’s the operating system that will run behind the scenes on your device, powering everything from the way you swipe your screen to how you communicate, navigate, and consume content. Apple typically drops the new version each fall, but this time, they’re teasing some seriously advanced accessibility tools before the big WWDC announcement. That’s how game-changing this is.

Here are some of the wild new features you’re going to want to pay attention to.

 

 

1. Accessibility Nutrition Labels — Know What You’re Downloading

This one’s a game-changer. You know how food products have nutrition labels so you know what’s inside? Apple just applied that concept to apps.

Now, every app’s product page on the App Store will feature an Accessibility Nutrition Label. It tells you—right up front—if an app supports features like VoiceOver, Voice Control, Larger Text, high contrast visuals, captions, and more.

No more downloading an app only to realize it’s a visual nightmare with no voice control or readable text. This simple addition is a power move for transparency. Whether you're visually impaired or just want a smoother, more customized interface, you get to choose apps that work for you.

 

2. Magnifier for Mac — Zoom In Like a Boss

Let’s say you’re in a lecture, working in a lab, or reading tiny text on a whiteboard from across the room. Instead of squinting or snapping blurry photos, fire up the Magnifier app on your Mac.

This isn’t your basic zoom tool. It links up with your iPhone camera (or even USB cameras) and turns your Mac into a live magnification hub. You can adjust brightness, apply color filters, even correct the perspective. Then, capture the view and save it.

Accessibility or not, this is straight-up useful for anyone working with visual detail, reading fine print, or doing presentations.

 

3. The New Braille Experience — Not Just Inclusion, Full Integration

If you use braille, get ready for the full Apple ecosystem to finally get it right. iOS 19 will allow users to launch and interact with any app using Braille Screen Input or a connected braille device.

It’s not just about reading text. You can now type, navigate, and control your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even Apple Vision Pro through braille. This is more than a feature—it’s full-blown system-wide integration.

 

4. Accessibility Reader — Focused Reading, No Distractions

Apple’s new Accessibility Reader is like a hyper-focused reading mode on steroids. It’s a system wide feature, so it doesn’t matter if you’re in Safari, Mail, or Notes. The text will adapt to you—custom fonts, layout tweaks, and zero distractions.

It is perfect for users with cognitive or learning disabilities. But also? If you’ve ever tried to read an article without pop-ups and sidebars fighting for your attention, this one’s going to be your new best friend.

 

5. Apple Watch Live Captions — Real-Time Access, Anywhere

You’re in a noisy café. You can’t hear what your friend is saying on the phone. Or maybe you’re hard of hearing and need to follow a conversation in real time. Enter: Live Captions on Apple Watch.

Now, your watch can start and stop Live Listen sessions and even rewind conversations. It acts like a remote control so you don’t have to fumble with your phone during meetings or miss key info in class. Control it all from your wrist, across the room.

 

6. Apple Vision Pro + Enhanced View — Smart Glasses, Smarter Vision

Blind or low-vision users are getting a serious power-up with Vision Pro. The device can now magnify anything in view. It even uses VoiceOver for Live Recognition. That means it can describe your surroundings, identify objects, and read documents on the spot.

You’re not just wearing a headset. You’re holding the future of computer vision right on your face.

 

7. Background Sounds, But Better

You already know Apple has calming sounds like rain, stream, or ocean built into iOS. Now, with iOS 19, they’re customizable.

You can add EQ settings and set timers to automatically stop the sound. Additionally, you can create new automation Shortcuts to launch them when you need to focus—or fall asleep. Plus, focus just got an upgrade.

 

8. Personal Voice 2.0 — Your Voice, In Seconds

For users at risk of losing their voice—due to ALS, for instance—Apple’s Personal Voice feature now creates a realistic, custom voice in under a minute using just 10 phrases.

And yes, it now supports Spanish (Mexico). It’s fast, easy, and insanely empowering. No more robotic-sounding synthetic speech.

 

9. Eye and Head Tracking — Hands-Free Control Just Got Better

Controlling your phone with your eyes or head sounds like science fiction, but Apple’s bringing it mainstream. iOS 19 adds new selection options like QuickPath typing, dwell timers, and smoother interaction.

Now you can type with your gaze, select icons with your head movement, and never touch the screen once.

 

10. Brain-Computer Interface Support — No Movement Needed

Let’s say you can’t move your hands, your head, or your eyes. iOS 19 has you in mind, too. Switch Control now supports Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), letting users control their devices using just brain signals.

Let that sink in.

We’re officially in Black Mirror territory—only this time, it’s not dystopian. It’s freedom. It’s access. It’s real.

 

Other Impressive Features You’ll Get With iOS 19

• Music Haptics: Feel the beat through your device with custom vibration patterns.
• Sound Recognition: Get alerts when someone calls your name or a baby cries.
• Voice Control upgrades: Use natural language to code in Xcode or sync your commands across devices.
• Expanded Live Captions: Now supports languages from Mandarin to German to Korean.
• CarPlay: Finally includes Large Text and sound alerts for horns, sirens, and crying babies.
• Share Accessibility Settings: Quickly transfer your custom settings to a borrowed or public device.

 

Get Ready for the iOS 19 in Kenya

iOS 19 drops later this year in September. If you’re still rocking an older iPhone, it might be time to trade up. At iTey Store, we’ve got the latest iPhones ready to roll with iOS 19—and we’ll help you get set up fast.

Accessibility isn’t just for some, it’s for all. And with iOS 19, it’s finally built into the core.

Stay tuned to upgrade your devices with iTey Store when iOS 19 launches.