Apple has today released version 26.3 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.3 and watchOS 26.3, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.3 or HomePod Software 26.3. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Apple has today released version 26.5 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.5 and watchOS 26.5, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.5 or HomePod Software 26.5. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Apple has today released version 26.5.1 of the iOS and macOS platforms, bringing a fix for an issue with wired charging on iPhone 17 and iPhone Air devices, as well as a fix for an issue that could cause Macs with the M5 chip to unexpectedly shut down when content filtering extensions were in use.
Apple has today released version 26.5.2 of the iOS, iPadOS, and macOS platforms, bringing unspecified security fixes.
As iOS 26.5.2, iPadOS 26.5.2, and macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 were not distributed to external testers prior to their release, we do not have any information on whether they contain any accessibility fixes for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users at the time of writing. However, as these updates appear to have been released to address a small number of specific issues, we do not expect them to contain any such fixes.
Apple has today released version 26.6 of the iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS platforms, bringing bug fixes, security updates, and optimizations to prepare for the upcoming "27" updates.
Our experience is that the following VoiceOver bug has been resolved in watchOS 26.6:
Apple has today released Watch OS 1.0.1, marking the first update to the Apple Watch OS since the device was released in April.
According to Mac Rumors, the 1.0.1 update contains various bug fixes and improvements - accessibility being among them - as well as support for the new emojis found in iOS 8.3:
Apple has today released watchOS 11.1 to the public, bringing bug fixes but also introducing changes to default system volume and the default behavior for the VoiceOver Volume Rotor.
While we are unsure if this is an issue that is specific to VoiceOver, our testing suggests that Apple has made some changes to the default system volume level in watchOS 11.1.
Apple has today released watchOS 11.3 to the public; bringing a fix to the volume issues introduced in iOS 11.2 and introducing a new Unity Rhythm watch face to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month in the U.S.
Apple has today released watchOS 2, marking the first major update to the Apple Watch operating system since the device was released in April.
According to Apple. this release brings a mixture of refinements and new features to the Apple Watch:
With watchOS 2, we’ve refined it. There are more faces to choose from. Faster, more powerful apps. Enhanced communication options. And innovative new ways to make your Apple Watch your own.
Apple has today released watchOS 2.0.1.
For blind and low vision users, Apple has addressed a bug where the on/off status of alarms was not spoken by VoiceOver; changing the text input language when replying is also now accessible.
Unlike iOS 9.1 and OS X 10.11.1, there were no pre-release betas of watchOS 2.0.1 issued to developers. Thus, if additional accessibility changes are identified, we will update this post accordingly.
Apple has today released watchOS 2.1 for the Apple Watch. This update brings bug fixes and under-the-hood improvements, as well as language support for Arabic, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Malay, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.
According to AppleInsider, this release includes:
Apple has today released watchOS 2.2 for the Apple Watch, bringing with it new features and bug fixes.
In terms of new features, watchOS 2.2 introduces support for pairing multiple Apple Watches with a single iPhone; this feature requires both watchOS 2.2 and iOS 9.3 on the iPhone. Additionally, the native Maps app has gained support for the Nearby feature first introduced with iOS 9, and also now offers quicker access to directions to home and work.
Apple has today released watchOS 26 for the Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
watchOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, a new visual design language for the interface. Apple says that Liquid Glass "introduces more vitality to interactions across watchOS, refracts and reflects content in real time, and brings even more clarity to Smart Stack, Control Center, navigation, in-app controls, and more."
Apple has today released watchOS 27.0.1 for Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, bringing a fix for an issue that caused the devices to restart unexpectedly.
As watchOS 27.0.1 was not distributed to external testers prior to its release, we do not have any information on whether it contains any accessibility fixes for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users at the time of writing. However, as this update appears to have been released to address a specific issue on a small subset of devices, we do not expect it to contain any such fixes.
Apple has today Released watchOS 4.2, bringing support for Apple Pay Cash, Apple's new peer-to-peer payment service that allows users to send money to one another via the Messages app.
According to MacRumors watchOS 4.2 also “adds support for HomeKit sprinklers and faucets, plus it introduces a new workout type that allows third-party apps to track distance, average speed, number of runs, and elevation descended for downhill snow sports with Apple Watch Series 3.”
Along with the release of iOS 11.3, today has also seen the releases of watchOS 4.3, tvOS 11.3 and the first software update for HomePod.
According to MacRumors, the watchOS 4.3 release:
Alongside the release of iOS 11.4 and updated HomePod software, Apple has today released software updates for the Apple TV and Apple Watch.
According to MacRumors, tvOS 11.4 includes the following changes:
Apple has today released watchOS 4, describing it as:
A smarter coach and workout partner. Better in tune with your taste in music. And an even more proactive all-day assistant. With watchOS 4, Apple Watch is dialed in to you like never before.
Below are some of the highlights of what watchOS 4 will bring to your wrist.
watchOS 4 brings a new watch face with Siri built-in.
Apple has today released watchOS 5.1.2, bringing a new ECG app and irregular heart rate notifications for users of specific Apple Watch models in the United States.
Announcing the release of watchOS 5.1.2, apple said “the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notification feature will help users identify signs of AFib, the most common form of irregular rhythm.”
Apple has today released watchOS 5.2 to the public, bringing the ECG feature to Hong Kong and Europe and adding support for Air Pods 2.