Got a tip for us?Let us know

a. Send us an email
b. Anonymous form

Apple Stores to Begin Selling Accessibility Accessories in Early 2016

Monday December 21, 2015 5:56 AM PST by Mitchel Broussard

Apple is rumored to begin selling accessibility-related accessories and peripherals in its retail stores sometime in early 2016. The report, from Mac Otakara [Google Translate], states that the new iOS- and OS X-supported devices will go on sale between January and March of next year.

No specific hint was given as to what kind of peripherals users can expect to find within an Apple Store once accessibility products go on sale at the company's retail locations. Apple has been a big supporter of accessibility on the software side for years now, offering features such as Grayscale, AssistiveTouch, VoiceOver, accessibility shortcuts, and more.

Apple's various accessibility efforts even earned it the Helen Keller Achievement Award from the American Foundation for the Blind back in May.

Tag: Accessibility

Top Rated Comments

SteveJobs2.0

133 months ago

Nothing wrong with having more individuals being able to use smartphones despite physical and mental limitations.

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Klae17

133 months ago

Even Google is not turning up any examples of what such accessories might entail. This will be interesting.

This post is not about Android or Google or Samsung. Keep the thread positive!

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

navaira

133 months ago

Will there be an accessory that makes the Calendar display larger text with more contrast rather than tiny grey letters on white?

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

drumcat

133 months ago

Accessibility is undervalued. It can often set forward improvements in standard use.

I loved the nod towards VoiceOver in the Xmas / Stevie Wonder commercial.

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

dysamoria

133 months ago

Too bad iOS accessibility took a serious turn for the worst with iOS 7... But hey, it's popular among people that don't have design training, which is most people, so there mustn't be any actual problem. :-p

Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Read All Comments

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by Hartley Charlton

Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...

• 189 comments

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...

iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:29 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but...

• 56 comments

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol

Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...

• 59 comments

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by Hartley Charlton

New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...

• 191 comments