Apple doubles down on health, accessibility with new software updates

The last three years of the Covid-19 pandemic made millions realize how important it is to stay fit and healthy, and Apple has taken it one step further by announcing major software updates — not just for healthy people but also for those who need help.

In iOS 17 coming this fall, Assistive Access is a customizable interface that helps users with cognitive disabilities use the iPhone more easily and independently.

Live Speech gives non-native users the option to write and speak their words in person or over the phone and FaceTime calls.

Personal Voice will give users at risk of speech loss the option to create a voice that resembles their own; and Point and Speak, which helps blind or visually impaired users read text on physical objects by pointing.

The Health app introduces new mental health features.

According to the company, “users can record their daily moods and moment-to-moment feelings; see what may be contributing to their state of mind; and easily access depression and anxiety assessments often used in clinics, as well as resources available in their area.”

In addition, increasing the distance from which the device is viewed by children can help reduce the risk of myopia and give adult users an opportunity to reduce digital eye strain.

Screen Distance in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to encourage users to move their device away after keeping it more than 12 inches from their face for an extended period of time.

With watchOS 10, Apple Fitness+ introduces Personalized Plans, a new way to receive a personalized exercise or meditation schedule based on day, duration, type of exercise, and more.

The Apple Watch update will also feature Stacks that allow users to select multiple exercises and meditations to do in a seamless sequence and Audio Focus, giving users the ability to prioritize the volume of music or the voices of the coaches.

The Medications app can send follow-up reminders if a medication hasn’t been registered 30 minutes after the specified time.

With the Mindfulness app in watchOS 10, users can discreetly and easily record their momentary feelings and daily moods.

Users can turn the Digital Crown to scroll through attractive multi-dimensional shapes to choose how they feel, decide what has the biggest impact on them, and describe their feelings.

In the Health app in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, users can see valuable insights to identify what may be contributing to their state of mind — whether it’s associations or lifestyle factors, like sleep or exercise.

In addition, depression and anxiety assessments used in clinics are now easily accessible in the Health app and can help users determine their risk level, connect to available resources in their area, and create a PDF to share with their physician.

Nearsightedness, or nearsightedness, is the leading cause of visual impairment globally.

To reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness, the International Nearsightedness Institute recommends that children spend at least 80-120 minutes a day outdoors.

With watchOS 10, Apple Watch introduces the ability to measure time spent in daylight using an ambient light sensor. Users can view this information in the Health app on their iPhone or iPad.

“Time spent in broad daylight can provide additional physical and mental health benefits for all ages. Kids who don’t have their own iPhone can use Family Setup to pair their Apple Watch with their parents’ iPhone, giving parents insight into how much time they spend,” he said. Apple said kids spend the day with healthy sharing.”

– Jans

na/ksk/