What are Apple devices and are they accessible?
Apple have a range of smart phones and tablets known as iPhones, iPad touch, iPad and iPad minis which operate using iOS software exclusive to Apple products. They all use touch screen technology, which allows you to control the device using finger gestures such as flicking, tapping and sliding.
All Apple devices available today have built in accessibility through options including speech (Siri), screen magnification (Zoom), inverted colours, bold text, large cursor and built in video magnifiers or screen readers (VoiceOver) for reading printed materials. Further information about the accessibility features of Apple products can be found on the Apple website.
Products range in size from small screen sizes of 8 to large 12.9 inches. The iPhone and iPad can run many similar applications to add functionality.
Any Apple iPhone or iPad needs to be set up with your personal details like Apple ID, Wi-Fi network key, pass code, fingerprint or face ID and any data transferred from an older device.
Additional functions can be added to the iPhone and iPad by installing 'apps' or applications. Apps which allow you to read documents or books, identify products and locations or currency and colours, as well as keep in touch with friends and family and manage your bank accounts.
A full length video about using Zoom magnification, can be found on RNIB's Apple accessibility videos webpage. Further information can also be found on RNIB's A guide to Apple devices for people with sight loss webpage.
