New iPhone accessibility feature lets users control device with just their eyes
Apple has released an advert showing off its new Eye Tracking accessibility feature that will allow users to control their iPads and iPhones with just their eyes.
The Eye Tracking feature will be added to iOS 18, expected to come sometime in September 2024. According to Apple, Eye Tracking is enabled via the front-facing camera and is designed with users with physical disabilities in mind. It is powered by machine learning and all data gathered will be secured on the device, not shared with Apple.
Fortunately, this technology won’t need any peripherals to work. Once iOS 18 rolls out, this should work on iPadOS and iOS apps without any additional set up or brain implants needed. The advert for the new accessibility feature shows a person in a wheelchair using their iPad just by moving their eyes over various parts of the screen.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said of Eye Tracking and some other accessibility features announced yesterday, “We believe deeply in the transformative power of innovation to enrich lives. We’re continuously pushing the boundaries of technology, and these new features reflect our long-standing commitment to delivering the best possible experience to all of our users.”
These new features will make an impact in the lives of a wide range of users, providing new ways to communicate, control their devices, and move through the world,” said Sarah Herrlinger, senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives at Apple.
Also announced was music haptics, which should help hard of hearing individuals feel music via specific vibrations, taps, and textures in Apple devices, and vocal shortcuts which should help people with atypical speech be able to use their voice to control their devices.
In other news, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, formerly Assassin’s Creed Red, just had its cinematic trailer and launch date revealed.
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