iOS Today 780: Accessibility Tools & Tips

Hosts: Micah Sargent & Rosemary Orchard
Air Date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on making the most of Apple’s accessibility tools across iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, etc.). Hosts Micah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard guide listeners through both well-known and hidden gems in accessibility settings, aimed not just at those with disabilities but anyone looking to optimize and adapt their device experience. The conversation is practical, inclusive, and full of actionable tips, with real-life stories and memorable insights.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. What Accessibility Means in Apple Ecosystems

• Accessibility is about making devices usable for as many people as possible (03:53 — Micah Sargent).
• Apple’s longstanding commitment sets a standard for the tech industry.
• Features often debut as accessibility options, but eventually get folded into mainstream use (e.g., Apple Watch's finger double-tap).

“Apple does, as far as I’m concerned … put its money where its mouth is when it comes to those accessibility requirements or features and settings.”
—Micah Sargent (04:39)

2. Favorite and Essential Accessibility Features

a) Reduce White Point & Display Adjustments

• Micah’s must-use: “Reduce White Point” (07:42) — further dims screen brightness for use at night; can be set to Action Button for quick toggling.
• Located under Settings → Accessibility → Display & Text Size.

“I have my Action button set to turn it on… so at night if I’m looking at my phone, I don’t want it blasting me even at its lowest brightness.”
—Micah Sargent (07:33)

b) Text Size, Labels, and Dynamic Sizing

• Rosemary’s tip: Her parents rely on increased text size, and she personally uses "Labels" for switches clarity. Dynamic text size makes devices more comfortable for varying needs (09:01).
• Experimenting can greatly boost comfort, even for users not regularly needing accessibility help.

“If you wear glasses and you often take your glasses off … maybe you should investigate changing the text size.”
—Rosemary Orchard (09:36)

c) Zoom Features and Hover Text

• Micah demonstrates: “Zoom” lets you magnify parts of the screen; hover text provides a bigger view on select text areas (11:13).

d) Color Filters & PWM Smoothing

• For users with color blindness: customizable color filters (e.g., protanopia, deuteranopia, tritanopia).
• Display Pulse Smoothing (PWM): New feature helps avoid migraines triggered by OLED displays. Turn off pulse width modulation for a smoother output (13:24).

e) Magnifier in Control Center

• For reading small print IRL — not just on-device!
• Add to Control Center for quick access; includes capture/reader function for extracting and reading text aloud.
• Great for reading difficult documents or tiny labels (18:10 — Rosemary).

“I would encourage people to experiment with the options you can add to Control center because you never know when you might need the zoom option.”
—Rosemary Orchard (19:18)

f) Mouse & Pointer Device Support

• Connect mouse/trackpad ("pointer device") to iPad/iPhone for demos or remote help — especially useful during remote assistance (17:13 — Rosemary).

g) Voice Control

• Powerful for hands-free operation and taking group photos.
• Custom command creation, confirmation options, overlays, built-in tutorial (20:28 — Micah).

h) Side Button Adjustments

• Control double/triple click speeds, remap press-and-hold actions, or disable functions; beneficial for motor limitations or fine-tuning usage (22:42).

3. Universal Benefits & Temporary Accessibility Use

• Accessibility features help everyone at times — e.g., when recovering from eye dilation after a doctor visit.
• Renee Ritchie’s philosophy: don’t treat these as "hidden" features or only for disabled users (15:01 — Micah).

“There may come a time when you are in need of these features that you may not use at other times.”
—Micah Sargent (15:59)

4. Cautions & Accessory Recommendations

• Be wary of overpriced “accessibility” gadgets. Some tools get massively marked up just for the “accessibility” tag (28:22).
• Affordable solution: Bookcase by Astropad — a MagSafe phone holder preventing accidental edge touches. Not marketed as accessibility, but perfect for some users (28:54).

“If you have somebody who has an iPhone … but maybe they’re struggling because they keep accidentally pressing the sides of the screen. Then the Bookcase by Astropad is a really great option.”
—Rosemary Orchard (29:20)

5. Troubleshooting: Wireless CarPlay Issues

(33:14–39:51)

• Micah’s saga: Pairing issues with new iPhone and aftermarket head unit. Fix required deleting Bluetooth & WiFi pairings and power cycling the head unit and disconnecting its car battery fuse.
• Theory: Apple’s new wireless chips are “sleepier,” making connection less reliable unless reset is thorough.

“Your mileage may vary. Ha. Car joke. But that was what fixed it for me…”
—Micah Sargent (38:12)

• Rosemary: Solved similar CarPlay drop-outs by replacing the adapter (39:05).

6. Final Thoughts & Encouragement

• Dive into accessibility settings — not just if you “need” them, but for curiosity and better experience.
• Many useful features are one toggle away, and easily reversible.

“You really are going to, I think, get the best experience by just taking some time to head into the accessibility settings and look at what is there.”
—Micah Sargent (30:51)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I love that I’m not in charge of you.” —Micah (20:28) [after Rosemary says users don’t have to add Magnifier]
• “We kind of have to not think of these features as those available only to people who regularly need them.” —Recalling Renee Ritchie’s advice (15:14)
• “If you wear glasses and you often take your glasses off … maybe you should investigate changing the text size.” —Rosemary (09:36)

Essential Timestamps

• [03:53] — Definition & scope of accessibility in Apple devices
• [07:33] — Reduce White Point feature demo
• [09:01] — Display & text sizing, labels, advice from Rosemary
• [11:13] — Zoom, hover text, vision options explanation
• [13:24] — Color filters, PWM smoothing, and migraines
• [15:01] — Accessibility is universal: stories and philosophy
• [18:10] — Magnifier & Control Center tips
• [20:28] — Voice Control walkthrough
• [22:42] — Side button and other physical interaction settings
• [28:22] — Beware of overpriced “accessibility” gadgets
• [28:54] — Astropad Bookcase phone holder
• [33:14] — CarPlay pairing troubleshooting
• [39:05] — Wireless CarPlay fixes and Rosemary’s adapter tip

Closing Tips & Takeaways

• Explore accessibility settings: Not just for those with permanent disabilities — temporary needs arise for everyone.
• Try out Control Center customization for quick access.
• Experiment without fear: Most features can be toggled on and off instantly.
• Watch out for “marked up” accessibility gadgets. Seek practical, affordable solutions.

App Cap Picks

Each host ends the show recommending an app or accessory they love:

Art of Fauna (Micah, 41:25)

• A cozy, animal-themed puzzle game where images or text are rearranged to form creatures; regular updates and accessibility-aware (e.g., filters for phobias).

Bookcase by Astropad (Rosemary, 28:54)

• MagSafe-ready holder to prevent accidental edge touches, great for reading or improving accessibility by design, not as a mark-up.

Conclusion

Rosemary:

“Go and explore the accessibility settings and make sure you’ve got yourself set up for success.” (46:27)

Micah:

“You might learn something new about what your iPhone can do...” (30:51)

Stay tuned for more, and remember — accessibility makes things better for everyone!