There are various settings on the iPhone and iPad that can help people with low vision maintain or regain their visual independence. The following 90 second video demonstrates the various options for increasing font size and weight, activating button shapes, increasing contrast, using a zoom window and more.
Some of these settings only need adjusted one time, while others involve learning how to use a specialized feature. Keep reading for additional details on vision settings. Download our FREE iPhone & iPad Vision Guide for step-by-step lessons on using accessibility settings for people with low vision.
Low Vision Aids for iPhone & iPad: Basic Settings
Enlarge Text
Increase the size of text on the iPhone or iPad in standard apps such as Mail, Notes and Messages. This setting will also adjust font size in supported third party apps such as Facebook.
Add Button Shapes
Some apps include buttons that lack visual clarity. This setting will add a shaded background to more clearly identify buttons.
Bold Text
In addition to increasing the size of font, you can also increase font weight by activating bold text.
Reduce Motion
There are movements that are built into the iPhone and iPad experience, such as zooming and parallax effects. For people that are sensitive to the motion, you can turn off the effects in the settings.
Activate On / Off Label in Settings
Within the Settings app, there are various On / Off toggles. Turn the On / Off Labels to add a more visible 1 and 0 digit to the standard white/green toggles.
Increase Contrast
There are various aspects of the iPhone and iPad user interface that include transparent or transparent elements. Activate increased contrast to eliminate transparency and improve visual clarity.
Low Vision Aids for iPhone & iPad: Advanced Tools
Using VoiceOver
VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader that helps people navigate their iPhone or iPad without seeing the screen. Since VoiceOver requires using gestures, a keyboard or braille display, there is a learning curve for new users.
Adjusting Display Accommodations
Invert colors, add color filters or reduce the white point for people that are color blind or have other specific visual impairment.
Zoom
Magnify the contents of any screen on the iPhone or iPad. Use a zoom window or magnify the entire contents of the screen.
Use the iPhone or iPad as a Magnifier
Activate the camera on the iPhone or iPad to magnify documents, labels or other objects with small text. Lock the image on the screen and use filters to make it easier to read.
Speech
Prompt the iPhone of iPad to read the content on the screen.
Interested in learning more about accessibility options for people with hearing loss or mobility impairment? Click the link below to take our free quiz; test your knowledge and learn about the most important iPhone & iPad settings.
iPad and iPhone Quiz: Accessibility for Vision, Hearing & Mobility Impairment.