Accessibility improvements in Windows 11 and iOS 16 show promise for the future TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Accessibility improvements in Windows 11 and iOS 16 show promise for the future By Daryl Baxter published 21 September 2022 AR and more are defining accessibility for a new generation (Image credit: TechRadar) Audio player loading… We've recently seen Microsoft and Apple bring out major updates to its operating systems, including Windows 11 and iOS 16, and one of the big tentpole features for both is, finally, accessibility. The topic isn't just limited to one aspect - from web accessibility to visual accessibility, there are features on your PC or iPhone that have been there for years, but you may have never been aware of them. Windows 11's 2022 update expands upon this category however, with live captions across the operating system, alongside more natural-sounding voices for narration and text-to-speech. On the other end of the spectrum, Apple is using AR in certain accessibility features in iOS 16 to better tell how far a door is in a house, for example. All of this builds on a promise to the next generation of users with hearing and visual impairments, and what could be next. For a more accessible age (Image credit: Apple) Both Apple (opens in new tab) and Microsoft (opens in new tab) include a dedicated accessibility page that focuses on how every feature can benefit a user, while trying to get rid of the 'hidden features' label that's almost became a stereotype for accessibility in software lately. Apple has been working with companies such as Guide Dogs UK to bring over 5,000 iPads to its children, while Microsoft has been bringing out a line of accessibility accessories. But on a software level, you can already try out features such as better narration in Windows 11, or the ability to control nearby Apple devices from your iPhone in iOS 16. There's more to be done, as when we spoke to Hector Minto, Accessibility Lead at Microsoft, he told us that the category is never feature-complete; there's always a user out there needing a different way to fulfill their needs to use a laptop as well as anyone else. With AR and AI becoming more prevalent, it's at the point where it's exciting to see where this can go for accessibility - and coupled with the rumors of an Apple headset and Microsoft's efforts in the area so far, the foundation for the category is finally solid, and in the coming years, accessibility could be something we'll see more of at keynotes from both companies, not just as a blogpost. Daryl BaxterSoftware & Downloads WriterDaryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time he's written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider', alongside podcasting and usually found playing games old and new on his PC and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line. See more Operating systems news TechRadar Newsletter Sign up to get breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more, plus the hottest tech deals! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. MOST POPULARMOST SHARED1You may not have to sell a body part to afford the Nvidia RTX 4090 after all2It looks like Fallout's spiritual successor is getting a PS5 remaster3My days as a helpful meat shield are over, thanks to the Killer Klown horror game4One of the world's most popular programming languages is coming to Linux5The iPhone 14 Pro is made of the wrong stuff; the Pixel 7 proves that to me1We finally know what 'Wi-Fi' stands for - and it's not what you think2Best laptops for designers and coders 3The iPhone 14 Pro is made of the wrong stuff; the Pixel 7 proves that to me4Miofive 4K Dash Cam review5Logitech's latest webcam and headset want to relieve your work day frustrations Technology Magazines (opens in new tab)● (opens in new tab)The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviewsFrom$12.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)