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Apple TV Launches Sign Language Interpretation Feature
· Confirmed
In Short: Apple TV has introduced a new accessibility feature that allows users to watch with sign language interpretation for some original movies.
Apple today launched a new accessibility feature for the Apple TV streaming service, according to 9to5Mac and | Cord Cutters News. The feature, which debuted with the film 'Being Heumann,' allows users to watch with sign language interpretation for some of Apple’s original movies, as reported by 9to5Mac and MacRumors.
To access the new functionality, users need to be using the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac running version 27.2 or later, 9to5Mac reported. When enabled, a signing interpreter appears in the corner of the frame, synced with the video playback, 9to5Mac noted.
When browsing the catalog, sign language availability will be shown next to the usual subtitle and audio language information, according to 9to5Mac. On eligible titles, a new Sign Language button will appear in the player controls, allowing users to toggle between American Sign Language and British Sign Language modes, 9to5Mac added.
The feature will also be available on some versions of the Apple TV app on other platforms, 9to5Mac reported. Users can enable the Sign Language display in the Settings app -> TV app, 9to5Mac noted.
According to MacRumors, Apple said that the sign language options will be available for 'Greyhound' and 'Way of the Warrior Kid' later this year, with more titles to follow. 'Each performance is carefully crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets,' Apple stated.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, said, 'At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment,' as quoted by MacRumors and | Cord Cutters News.
The feature is launching this Friday with the debut of 'Being Heumann' and 'F1: The Movie,' 9to5Mac reported. By default, the Sign Language controls are hidden, 9to5Mac noted.
Apple’s release notes suggest that the option will eventually be available for more than just Apple Originals, according to MacRumors.
In what I hope becomes a widely emulated move, Apple has announced a new accessibility feature for the Apple TV app that gives viewers the option to watch supported titles with accompanying sign language interpretation, according to www.applemust.com.
Despite the launch of this new feature, Apple has said it will eventually charge for expanded usage of select AI features, according to 9To5Mac.
Apple has announced plans to bring its first core Apple Intelligence features to supported iPhones in China, according to Kingy.
Apple announced both features in September as part of its Audio Intelligence package, according to Androidpure.
What this adds
The new sign language feature is designed to make Apple TV content more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, as noted by multiple publications. The feature's availability on other platforms and the potential for future expansion beyond Apple Originals are significant additions to the accessibility landscape.
Background
Apple has launched one-time $50 intelligence usage packs for Logic Pro, allowing users to purchase additional access to AI features within the software.
At its 'Pro and Tell' event in Los Angeles, Apple unveiled the first touchscreen MacBook Pro, featuring a PROLED XDR OLED display.
What's confirmed
- Apple today launched a neat new accessibility feature for the Apple TV streaming service.
- Users will now have the option to watch with a sign language interpretation for some of Apple’s original movies.
- Alongside those two films, Apple said that sign language options will be available for Greyhound and Way of the Warrior Kid later this year, with more to come.
- By default, the Sign Language controls are hidden.
- "Each performance is carefully crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets," said Apple.
- "At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives.
What's still developing
- Apple is launching this feature on Nov. 13 with Being Heumann, a movie based on Judy Heumann, a San Francisco disability rights activist who led a 1977 sit-in protest.
- It’s finally happening — this week, we are (probably) about to see Apple’s first foldable iPhone, more than five years after Samsung launched its first foldable phone.
- When iOS 27 launches next week, it will include a new feature called iPhone Handoff, which allows you to use the same number on two different phones, Apple said at Wednesday’s Surprise and Shine event.
- Despite those struggles, it’s long been reported that Apple is interested in changing that narrative, with plans for a renewed push in the category.
- Apple said newer devices starting with the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air will deliver a better Siri AI experience because they use a more powerful on-device model for more accurate speech recognition and dictation.
- According to Apple’s release notes, Siri AI can now recall past conversations, letting users ask follow-up questions about information they provided earlier.