Apple Watch Assistive Touch: Motion-Controlled Cursor Now Available

Apple's Assistive Touch: Enhanced Accessibility for Apple Watch

Precise interaction with the small display of the Apple Watch presents inherent challenges, and for individuals with certain disabilities, it can be entirely unachievable. Apple addresses this with a novel feature called “Assistive Touch,” utilizing hand gesture recognition for cursor control and navigation.

Announced alongside a suite of accessibility improvements across its product line, Assistive Touch stands out as a potentially impactful addition for a broad range of users.

How Assistive Touch Works

The system leverages the Apple Watch’s integrated gyroscope, accelerometer, and heart rate sensor to determine the wrist and hand’s location. While complex gesture differentiation is still under development, the feature currently recognizes “pinch” (thumb and index finger touching) and “clench” (a relaxed fist) gestures.

These gestures function as fundamental commands, such as “next” and “confirm.” For example, incoming phone calls can be answered swiftly with a clench gesture.

The motion pointer is particularly noteworthy. Activation occurs through the Assistive Touch menu or a deliberate wrist shake. This allows users to control the cursor by moving their hand, enabling screen edge swipes and interactions via pinch or clench.

This functionality is especially beneficial for users with limited use of one hand. Furthermore, the ability to operate the smartwatch while engaged in other activities – like exercising or using a cane – offers a compelling advantage.

Image Credits: Apple

Additional Accessibility Updates from Apple

Assistive Touch represents just one component of Apple’s broader accessibility initiatives. Several other enhancements have been implemented across its platforms, including:

SignTime: Provides access to an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for Apple Store visits and customer support via video call.
Hearing Aid Support: Expanded compatibility with new hearing aid models.
VoiceOver Improvements: Enhanced VoiceOver functionality for image exploration.
Background Noise Generator: A built-in feature to generate ambient background sounds.
Non-Verbal Communication: Replacement of button presses with customizable mouth sounds for individuals with speech and mobility limitations.
Memoji Customizations: New Memoji options to represent users with oxygen tubes, cochlear implants, and soft helmets.
Accessibility-Focused Media: Featured content in the App Store, Apple TV, Books, and Maps apps created for or by people with disabilities.