Revolutionising accessibility: Voice enhancements in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
Annie Mannion | 31 Jul 2024Guest blog: Colin Hughes
Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people. Colin is a regular contributor to Aestumanda.
Last August, in an opinion piece for The Register, I highlighted several shortcomings with the Apple’s Voice Control application. One major issue was the app’s handling of vocabulary, particularly its failure to capitalise proper nouns.
I also called on Apple to prioritise assistance for the estimated 250 million people worldwide with atypical speech. These individuals, affected by conditions such as stroke, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s, and my own condition Muscular Dystrophy, often struggle to be understood by voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, as well as dictation apps. You can read the full opinion piece on The Register website.
Once again, with the release of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia public beta software this week, it is apparent Apple has listened and delivered.
Enhanced Voice Control features in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia
In iOS 18 , Apple has made significant improvements to Voice Control. One notable enhancement is the handling of vocabulary, particularly proper nouns. This improvement addresses a major concern from users who rely on accurate dictation for their work and daily communication.
In my article for The Register, I called for the ability to train vocabulary so the app recognises the names of people and places important to you, such as your Polish or Welsh friends’ names. I’m pleased to say this feature has been added in iOS 18.
Custom vocabulary training is essential for long-form dictation on devices like the MacBook Pro, where precision and personalisation in longer emails and documents can greatly enhance the user experience and productivity.
However, the public beta of macOS Sequoia currently lacks the option for recording custom vocabulary. This functionality is already present in iOS 18 public beta, and its absence in macOS Sequoia public beta is notable. Hopefully, this is because it’s early in the beta cycle and the feature will be included in macOS Sequoia before its official release in September.
The introduction of Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18
In addition to the enhancements in Voice Control, Apple has introduced Vocal Shortcuts in iOS 18, a groundbreaking feature that will revolutionise the way people with impaired speech interact with their iPhones.
Vocal Shortcuts allows users to assign tasks and actions to recorded voice phrases. By saying these phrases, users can run iOS shortcuts and trigger Siri commands. This innovation significantly enhances the usability of iPhones for those with speech impairments, providing a more intuitive and efficient way to interact with their devices.
Having tried the iOS 18 public beta on my iPhone, I found it incredibly simple and effective. You can record a word or phrase, even with impaired speech, link it to an iPhone action, and it works like magic. If, like me, you find it difficult to press and hold the small Action button on your iPhone, Vocal Shortcuts will be a great help.
Things can only get better
It’s noteworthy to see Apple adding an “Improve Assistive Voice Features” splash screen and option in iOS 18.
For users heavily reliant on assistive voice features, it gives hope that Voice Control and Siri will understand us even better in the future.
I have turned the feature on. Information is submitted anonymously.
Eye Tracking
Apple’s iOS 18 introduces a new Eye Tracking feature, enhancing accessibility by allowing users to control their iPhone with just their eyes. To activate this feature, users need to navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Eye Tracking and follow the calibration process. Once set up, you can perform actions like locking the phone, scrolling, and navigating the home screen through eye movement and maintaining focus (Dwell Control).
Apple recommends recalibrating the setup with the iPhone on a stable surface approximately 1.5 feet away from the user. Additionally, Eye Tracking can be combined with AssistiveTouch for enhanced functionality.

Apple’s ongoing commitment to accessibility
These developments underscore Apple’s ongoing commitment to making technology accessible to all users, regardless of their physical abilities. The introduction of Vocal Shortcuts and the much anticipated improvements in Voice Control are testament to this dedication. As we look forward to the public release of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia in September, the future looks promising for users with atypical speech and other disabilities.
Disabled people reliant on dictation with Voice Control can look forward to a more productive future with these advancements. Apple’s responsiveness to feedback and its continual enhancements ensure that its devices remain at the forefront of accessible technology.
Enabling independence and efficiency
The enhancements in iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia mark significant milestones in the evolution of assistive voice features. For individuals with atypical speech, these updates are not just improvements; they are enablers of independence and efficiency.
At present, Apple seems to be making significant accessibility improvements to its products. Certainly, both Microsoft and Google would be well advised to take a look at Apple's dedication to listening and adapting to user needs. It’s a model for the industry, and it is exciting to see what the future holds for accessibility in technology.
Apple Beta Software Program
I have been able to get an early look at these accessibility improvements through the Apple Beta Software Program. The program allows users to test pre-release versions of Apple software, such as iOS, macOS, and watchOS, before they are officially released to the public. Participants can explore new features, provide feedback, and report bugs, helping Apple to identify and fix issues. The program is open to anyone with an Apple ID and provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development process while getting an early look at upcoming features.
However, expect bugs and missing features, especially in early releases, meaning running beta software on your device is not for everyone.
The full public releases of iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are expected in September when iPhone 16 launches .
This article was written by Colin Hughes. All views are his own freely expressed opinions. Colin is a former BBC producer who campaigns for greater access and affordability of technology for disabled people.