Explore best practices for creating inclusive apps that cater to users with diverse abilities

Learn More

Posts under General subtopic

Post

Replies

Boosts

Views

Activity

Nearby Interactions, wih camera assistance
I have an app that uses nearby with a custom accessory. works great on iPhone 11-13, starting with iPhone 14, one must use ARkit to get angles we have two problems ARkit is light sensitive, and we do not control the lighting where this app would run.. the 11-13 action works great even in the dark. (our users are blind, this is an accessibility app) ARkit wants to be foreground, but our uses cannot see it, and we have a voice oriented UI that provides navigation instructions.. IF ARkit is foreground, our app doesn't work. with iPhone 15 ProMax, on IOS 18, I got an error, access denied. (not permission denied) now that I am on IOS 26.. bt scan doesn't happen also fails same way on iPhone 17 on IOS26, can't callback now as release signing is no longer done this same code works ok on iOS 17.1 on iPhone 12. Info.plist here info.txt if(SearchedServices == [] ){ services = [TransferService.serviceUUID,QorvoNIService.serviceUUID] } logger.info( "scannerready, starting scan for peripherals \(services) and devices \(IDs)") filteredIDs=IDs; scanning=true; centralManager.scanForPeripherals(withServices: services, options: [CBCentralManagerScanOptionAllowDuplicatesKey: true]) the calling code dataChannel.autoConnect=autoConnect; dataChannel.start(x,ids) // datachannel.start is above self.scanning = true; return "scanning started"; ... log output services from js = and devices= 5FE04CBB services in implementation = bluetooth ready, starting scan for peripherals [] and devices ["5FE04CBB"] scannerready, starting scan for peripherals [6E400001-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E, 2E938FD0-6A61-11ED-A1EB-0242AC120002] and devices ["5FE04CBB"] ⚡️ TO JS {"value":"scanning started"}
2
2
1.4k
Oct ’25
To say I'm extremely hurt is an understatement! 😔
Voice Control Disabling System Services After Reboot I recently learned from Apple Accessibility Support that the issue I’m experiencing with Voice Control is now affecting multiple users. When I first reported the problem, I appeared to be the first case—what you might call “patient zero.” I have provided extensive feedback and system logs, but now that the issue is more widespread, I have been told that I will not be informed of the cause or notified directly when a fix is found. Instead, updates will be released as solutions are identified, and support staff will not necessarily know the details of the underlying problem. To summarize my experience: after enabling Voice Control and rebooting my MacBook Pro (14.2-inch, M4 chip), critical Apple system services—including FaceTime, Apple Music, and News—stop functioning. Dictation remains available, but it is not as accurate or effective for my needs as Voice Control. I rely on these accessibility features daily due to my disability and cerebral palsy, and this issue has persisted for over five months. I have always valued contributing to the developer program and supporting Apple’s efforts to improve accessibility. However, I find it discouraging that there is no clear communication about the status of this issue or its resolution. My theory is that there may be a hardware interaction—perhaps between the neural engine and the new Wi-Fi chip—rather than a purely software problem. I understand that some information may not be immediately available, but I believe that users who rely on accessibility features should be kept informed about major issues and their progress toward resolution. I appreciate the dedication of the accessibility and development teams, and I want to continue supporting Apple’s mission of inclusion. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Donald Spencer Kirby Dayton, Ohio
2
0
178
Jun ’25
Keyboard navigation not working in native iOS Wallet interface
Hi guys, I'm facing an issue with the native interface to add a card into the wallet - does someone have some ideas on how to fix/work around that? STEPS TO REPRODUCE: Disable VoiceOver (Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver → Off). Connect and confirm that you can navigate other iOS interfaces using an external keyboard. In any app, present a PKAddPassesViewController with a valid .pkpass file. When the Wallet “Add Pass” sheet appears, attempt to navigate using only the external keyboard (Tab/Arrow/Enter). Observe that focus does not move to the Cancel or Add buttons, and no elements receive keyboard focus. EXPECTED RESULT: All interactive elements in PKAddPassesViewController (e.g., Cancel and Add) should be fully keyboard accessible without requiring VoiceOver. Users should be able to navigate, select, and complete actions using only a hardware keyboard. ACTUAL RESULT: Keyboard navigation is not possible. No elements receive focus. Users cannot activate Cancel or Add buttons using keyboard input. The only way to interact is by touch or enabling VoiceOver, which does not satisfy keyboard accessibility requirements. IMPACT: Violates WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard Accessible). Prevents keyboard-only users (including users with motor disabilities) from adding passes to Wallet. Affects users of external keyboards who rely on tab/arrow navigation. Creates an inconsistent accessibility experience compared to other iOS system modals.
2
0
1.4k
Aug ’25
Safari to app relationship
if you are on the tik tok website on safari, you are able to view a video that originally brought you to the website the from the search log, but if you want to click on another video listed on the website, it claims you need to use the app to go farther, and upon proceeding it just brings you to the App Store regardless if you have the app already or not , and you are unable to view the video displayed on the website without searching for it separately on the app.
2
0
411
Feb ’25
Microphone Not Working When Running Unity Vision Pro App Normally
} // Start listening to the microphone public void StartListening() { if (!isListening) { #if UNITY_IOS || UNITY_TVOS microphoneInput = Microphone.Start(null, true, 10, 44100); #else try { microphoneInput = Microphone.Start(null, true, 10, 16000); // Use 16,000 Hz instead of 44,100 if (microphoneInput == null) { microphoneInput = Microphone.Start(null, true, 10, AudioSettings.outputSampleRate); } #endif isListening = true; Debug.Log(Microphone.devices.Length + " Started listening..."); debugText.text = Microphone.devices.Length + "- Started listening..."; } catch (System.Exception e) { Debug.LogError($"Starting microphone failed: {e.Message}"); debugText.text = $"Starting microphone failed: {e.Message}"; } } } void Update() { if (isListening && microphoneInput != null) { // Analyze the audio for voice activity float volume = GetAverageVolume(); if (volume > detectionThreshold) { Debug.Log("User is speaking!"); lastVoiceTime = Time.time; SoundDetected = true; if (Time.time - lastVoiceTime > silenceDuration) { Debug.Log("User is silent."); debugText.text = volume.ToString() + " - User is silent."; } slider.value = volume; } } } private float GetAverageVolume() { float[] samples = new float[128]; microphoneInput.GetData(samples, Microphone.GetPosition(null)); float sum = 0f; foreach (float sample in samples) { sum += Mathf.Abs(sample); } return sum / samples.Length; } Problem: When I build and run the app from Xcode, the microphone works fine, and I receive input. However, when running the app normally (outside of Xcode), I can’t seem to access the microphone. The debug logs indicate no microphone is detected. Question: Is there any additional configuration I need to do for the microphone to work in a normal (non-Xcode) run on Vision Pro? Or any common issues that could be causing the microphone access to fail in this scenario? Thanks in advance for any insights! Best, Siddharth
2
0
456
Feb ’25
Hi,I applied for the COMMUNICATION capability failed, what should I do next?
Hi,I applied for the COMMUNICATION capability, but have a message that I already have the driving task app entitlement. After that ,I have applied one more time ,there is no reply anymore. I do not have the com.apple.developer.carplay-communication capability, that means I can not apply this capability? What should i do next to get this capatibility? Thanks
2
0
1.1k
Jul ’25
VoiceOver does not focus App Store subscription modal when shown via AppStore.showManageSubscriptions(in:)
Description When calling AppStore.showManageSubscriptions(in:), the system modal for managing subscriptions appears visually. However, it is not automatically focused by VoiceOver, and in some cases, VoiceOver still allows interaction with elements in the underlying view controller, such as buttons and labels. This creates confusion and violates accessibility expectations. Steps to Reproduce 1. In a UIKit app, present the system subscription sheet via AppStore.showManageSubscriptions(in:). 2. Ensure VoiceOver is enabled on the device. 3. Observe the focus behavior when the modal appears. 4. Try swiping right/left — VoiceOver continues to announce items in the presenting view controller. Expected Result The modal should automatically take VoiceOver focus, and all elements behind it should be non-accessible until dismissed. Actual Result VoiceOver continues to focus and interact with elements behind the presented modal. Notes • Tested on iOS 18.5 • Reproducible on device • Using Swift/UIKit (not SwiftUI)
2
0
205
Jul ’25
.sheet and focus elements inside
Hi. I wanted to open a .sheet with .presentationDetents([.height(320)]) and having a couple of pickers and buttons inside. The problem is that I can't tab with keyboard between the elements inside if I use .presentationDetents([.height(320)]) on the root VStack inside of the .sheet. It works perfectly if I remove it but then the sheet becomes fullscreen which I don't want. Is this a bug or am I using it incorrectly?
2
0
352
Oct ’25
Best Way to Navigate to the Top Element Using VoiceOver
I’m currently focused on an element at the bottom of the screen. What is the proper way to quickly navigate to the top element? By default, there’s a four-finger single tap to move to the first element, but should I use the Rotor action instead to focus on the element I need? For example, in the Contacts app while adding a new contact, if I enter a value in a field at the bottom, there’s no quick way to directly save the contact. I have to manually navigate all the way to the top to tap the Done button, which feels a bit inconvenient. Is there a better way to handle this using VoiceOver?
2
0
350
Mar ’25
Guided Access Mode From Background
My team is designing an app for retail associates that need to share managed iPads. We keep the app in Guided Access mode on our login app until an auth token is obtained. Then the iPad is opened for general use. Upon signout we need to re-enter guided access mode and we can do this via manual signout easily. But with idle signout, ie after 60 minutes of inactivity, we need to be able to make a call from the background (in a locked state even) and sign out the user, clear the pin code and enter single app mode before restarting. So that hopefully once the device restarts, we have the app in a locked state again until the next user provides credentials that can obtain a new auth token. We are struggling to see if this is even possible. Our bosses will be displeased if we tell them it isn't. So anybody with any tips would be very appreciated.
2
0
267
Mar ’25
Programmatically force VoiceOver to read parentheses for math expressions
How can I force VoiceOver to read parentheses for math expressions like this: Text("(2+3)×4") // VoiceOver: Two plus three, times four I’m looking for a way to have VoiceOver announce parentheses (e.g. “left paren”, “right paren”) without relying on NumberFormatter.Style.spellOut or .speechAlwaysIncludesPunctuation(), as both have drawbacks. Using .spellOut breaks braille output and Rotor › Characters menu by turning numbers and symbols into words. And .speechAlwaysIncludesPunctuation() makes VoiceOver overly verbose—for example, it reads “21” as “twenty hyphen one.” Is there a better way to selectively announce specific punctuation like parentheses while keeping numbers and symbols intact for braille and Rotor use?
2
0
374
Jul ’25
Issue with “Vocal Shortcuts” disabling after one day of use
Hello Apple Community, I'm experiencing an issue with "Vocal Shortcuts" on iOS. I created a trigger in Vocal Shortcuts to run a specific shortcut, and it works perfectly on the first day. However, by the next day, the voice command stops functioning entirely. To make it work again, I have to disable and then re-enable Vocal Shortcuts in the settings. I've tested this on multiple devices (iPhone 11, iPhone 13, and iPhone X), all running the latest iOS version, and the same problem occurs on each one. Is there any additional configuration needed, or could this be a bug? Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance,
2
0
665
Jan ’25
AVSpeechSynthesisProviderVoice audioFileSettings field
Hello, the AVSpeechSynthesisVoice has a audioFileSettings attributes let utterance = AVSpeechUtterance(string: text) utterance.voice = AVSpeechSynthesisVoice(identifier: voiceSelected!) print("- voice \(utterance.voice!.audioFileSettings)") ["AVLinearPCMIsBigEndianKey": 0, "AVLinearPCMIsFloatKey": 1, "AVLinearPCMIsNonInterleaved": 1, "AVNumberOfChannelsKey": 1, "AVSampleRateKey": 22050, "AVFormatIDKey": 1819304813, "AVLinearPCMBitDepthKey": 32] This is declared in AVSpeechSynthesisVoice { ... @available(iOS 13.0, *) open var **audioFileSettings:** [String : Any] { get } @available(iOS 17.0, *) open var voiceTraits: AVSpeechSynthesisVoice.Traits { get } } How can we specify the audioFileSettings attributes in a AVSpeechSynthesisProviderVoice ? Cause in AVSpeechSynthesisProviderVoice there is no such field AVSpeechSynthesisProviderVoice { open var name: String { get } open var identifier: String { get } open var primaryLanguages: [String] { get } open var supportedLanguages: [String] { get } open var voiceSize: Int64 open var version: String open var gender: AVSpeechSynthesisVoiceGender open var age: Int } Regards
2
0
139
Mar ’25
PHPickerViewController No Auto Focus
The issue is, I cannot auto acquire bluetooth keyboard focus in PHPickerViewController after enabling 'Full Keyboard Access' in my IPhone 14 with iOS version 18.3.1. The keyboard focus in PHPickerViewController will show, however, after I tapped on the blank space of the PHPickerViewController. How to make the focus on at the first place then? I'm using UINavigationController and calling setNavigationBarHidden(true, animated: false). Then I use this controller to present PHPickerViewController using some configuration setup below. self.configuration = PHPickerConfiguration() configuration.filter = .any(of: filters) configuration.selectionLimit = selectionLimit if #available(iOS 15.0, *), allowOrdering { configuration.selection = .ordered } configuration.preferredAssetRepresentationMode = .current Finally I set the delegate to PHPickerViewController and call UINavigationController.present(PHPickerViewController, animated: true) to render it. Also I notice animation showing in first video then disappear.
2
0
296
Mar ’25