On Tuesday, Apple introduced new accessibility features for the iPhone and iPad, including a tool that allows users to replicate their voice for phone calls with just 15 minutes of voice training.
The upcoming feature, called Personal Voice, enables users to record audio by reading text prompts, which the technology then uses to learn their voice. A related tool, Live Speech, will use this “synthesized voice” to speak the user’s typed text during phone calls, FaceTime, and even in-person conversations. Users can also save commonly used phrases to quickly insert into live conversations.
These features are designed to make Apple devices more accessible for individuals with cognitive, vision, hearing, or mobility impairments. Apple highlighted that those with conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which can lead to loss of voice over time, may find the tools particularly beneficial.
“Accessibility is core to everything we do at Apple,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, in a blog post. “These innovative features were developed with direct input from disability communities to serve a diverse range of users and foster new ways of connecting.”
The features are set to launch later this year.
While these tools aim to address real accessibility needs, they come at a time when artificial intelligence advancements have sparked concerns. Deepfakes—fake audio and video used for scams or misinformation—have become a growing issue, but Apple noted that the Personal Voice feature uses “on-device machine learning,” ensuring that users’ data remains private and secure.
Apple is not alone in exploring AI-based voice replication. Last year, Amazon announced plans to update Alexa with the ability to mimic any voice, including that of a deceased loved one, although the feature has yet to be released.
Alongside the voice tools, Apple also revealed Assistive Access, which combines popular apps like FaceTime, Messages, Camera, Photos, Music, and Phone into a single Calls app. The simplified interface features high-contrast buttons, large text labels, an emoji-only keyboard option, and video messaging for users who prefer visual or audio communication.
Additionally, Apple is updating its Magnifier app to help the visually impaired interact more easily with physical objects. For example, the updated app can help users operate a microwave by reading and announcing the text on the keypad when the iPhone camera is pointed at it.
These new tools reflect Apple’s continued commitment to enhancing accessibility across its devices.
