Tech Tips: iPhone Improvements Coming This Fall

Contributed by Jerry Price, Assistive Technology Training Coordinator 

Every Fall, Apple releases a new version of iOS to correspond with their introduction of new iPhones.  In 2022, they are introducing iOS 16.  This new operating system will offer several assistive technology enhancements.  These enhancements include:

• Over 20 new supported languages and voices will be introduced, including Eloquence, the voice used with Jaws.

• Hey Siri will be able to hang up the phone.

• Siri will be able to turn on the auto answer-on feature.

• Door detection will be available with the magnifier option.

• Live captioning will be available for any sound source.

• Sound recognition will be available for specific sounds.

• Siri Pause Time will allow users to set the amount of time needed to give Siri commands.

• Enhanced notification options will be available for hearing aids and phone speakers. 

Of course, many promises are made every year and few are kept, as the Beta versions can yield difficulties and errors.  As it stands now, though, the future is bright for the next generation of iOS. 

On Saturday, October 1st, LBPD’s Technology User Group (TUG) will demonstrate the new changes to iOS 16 and make users aware of features that have been added, subtracted and/or improved.  You may join this informative presentation at 10 AM by calling 319-527-4994.