Accessibility trends

The recent surge in accessibility features is driven by an increasing commitment to inclusion and universal design. As societal awareness of diverse user needs grows, smartphone manufacturers are intensifying their focus on accessibility. An ageing population and an increased understanding of diverse disabilities are propelling this trend.

In response to growing momentum around accessibility, smartphones are incorporating features that cater to users with visual, auditory, and motor impairments. Apple first launched VoiceOver in 2009, marking a turning point for visually impaired users, with Android soon following with TalkBack. Haptic feedback, customizable gestures, and voice assistants became integral components, with significant improvements in 2016 and 2017.

Government regulations and industry standards further incentivize smartphone manufacturers to prioritize accessibility. In 2008 and 2013, global standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) set the stage for a more comprehensive approach to accessibility providing benchmarks for creating accessible digital interfaces and prompting companies to integrate such features. The adoption of digital content access for people with disability in legal frameworks like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 in India, to name a few, has further fuelled this trend.