3 Big Accessibility Takeaways from Apple’s WWDC 2025

June 12, 2025

logo of the wwdc25

apple’s wwdc 2025 delivered a wide range of updates across hardware, software, and ai. as always, we looked at everything through the lens of accessibility. here are three announcements that stand out and why they matter.

1. ios 19’s liquid glass interface: visually impressive, but readability matters

apple introduced a bold new design language in ios 19, featuring what it calls a “liquid glass” interface. it’s visually striking and fluid, but it also raises questions about usability for people who are blind or have low vision.

in certain lighting conditions, the layered transparency can make on-screen text harder to read. fortunately, apple continues to offer robust accessibility settings such as reduce transparency, which significantly improves contrast and clarity when enabled.

equally important, voiceover performance remains consistent with earlier versions, ensuring that users who rely on screen readers will continue to have a stable and familiar experience.

2. on-device ai: a step toward smarter, private assistance

apple also announced a new on-device ai framework that runs directly on iphone 15 and 16 models. this technology allows developers to integrate ai-powered features like summarization and text generation without requiring cloud connectivity.

while these models may not yet match the power of large-scale cloud ai, the move toward offline processing is a promising one. it opens the door to faster, more private, and more responsive user experiences. at ally, we’re already exploring how we can leverage this framework to enhance our assistant for users who prefer or need to work offline.

3. accessibility nutrition labels: transparency for everyone

in a quiet but meaningful announcement, apple introduced accessibility nutrition labels for apps on the app store. these labels allow developers to disclose how their apps meet accessibility standards, making it easier for users to make informed choices.

this initiative encourages transparency, promotes inclusive design, and helps surface apps that prioritize accessibility. it’s a welcome step that aligns with our mission at ally: making technology usable and welcoming for everyone.

explore accessibility with ally

if you’d like to experience what accessible ai can feel like in practice, try ally today. it’s available on the app store, google play, or at ally.me.

ally is built for people who are blind or have low vision, but it’s designed to work for everyone — simple, supportive, and always within reach.