Apple has announced a new accessibility feature which will assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing; real-time Live Captions for its Apple Watch.
Apple said in a media release on 13 May 2025 that the feature would be available to use later in 2025.
The new feature will be part of its Live Listen controls. Live Listen turns an iPhone into a remote microphone to stream content directly to AirPods, Made for iPhone hearing aids or Beats headphones.
“When a session is active on iPhone, users can view Live Captions of what their iPhone hears on a paired Apple Watch while listening along to the audio,” the statement said.
“The Apple Watch serves as a remote control to start or stop Live Listen sessions, or jump back in a session to capture something that may have been missed.
“With Apple Watch, Live Listen sessions can be controlled from across the room, so there’s no need to get up in the middle of a meeting or during class.”
Live Listen can also be used with hearing health features available on AirPods Pro 2, including the clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature.
Tinnitus help
The Background Sounds feature, accessible on supported AirPods, iPhones, iPads, and Macs, can be used to play ambient sounds like ocean or rain to mask distracting environmental noises.
Apple said an upgrade to this feature would make it easier to personalise with new equalisation settings, the option to stop automatically after a certain amount of time, and new actions for automations in Shortcuts.
“Background Sounds can help minimise distractions to increase a sense of focus and relaxation, which some users find can help with symptoms of tinnitus,” it said.
New features for low vision
People who are deafblind, blind or have low vision can access other new Apple accessibility features due this year.
They include a new Magnifier app for Mac and a new Braille Access feature that turns iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro into a full-featured braille note taker.
New updates will also expand vision accessibility features using the advanced camera system on Apple Vision Pro.
“At Apple, accessibility is part of our DNA,” said Mr Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Making technology for everyone is a priority for all of us, and we’re proud of the innovations we’re sharing this year. That includes tools to help people access crucial information, explore the world around them and do what they love.”
