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What I thought About Everything Announced at WWDC 2025

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Apple Intelligence: AI That Respects Your Privacy

Apple took a bold step into the AI space with Apple Intelligence—its new on-device AI framework aimed at redefining productivity, creativity, and daily tasks. The most notable aspect? It does all this while fiercely protecting your privacy.

I’m personally intrigued by how Apple’s foundation models will compare to giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. Will the quality match or even exceed what we’ve come to expect from industry leaders? Only time and real-world usage will tell.

As a developer myself, I’m thrilled about the new Foundation Models framework that enables apps to tap into Apple Intelligence directly. I’ll be installing every beta available—this is too exciting to wait.

Some standout features include:

– Smart Summaries for emails, notifications, and notes.

– Genmoji and Image Playground for custom, expressive content.

– Clean Up tools to declutter photos.

– Smart Replies for context-aware communication.

– Private Cloud Compute to ensure no sensitive data leaves your device.

iOS 26: A Radical Redesign with Liquid Glass

This is the biggest visual overhaul since iOS 7. Apple introduces Liquid Glass, a UI material that reimagines interface depth, interactivity, and responsiveness.

Major highlights:

– Dynamic Lock and Home Screens with adaptive typography.

– Recrafted app icons and widgets that reflect environment and usage.

– Realistic spatial photo effects.

– Streamlined Camera and Photos apps.

– Floating UI elements in Safari and FaceTime.

CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra: Smarter Driving

– Integrated widgets and Live Activities for real-time info.

– Messaging improvements including Tapbacks and pinned threads.

– CarPlay Ultra allows deep integration with vehicle functions like climate control and infotainment layouts.

Phone App and Messages: Communication, Evolved

– Unified call view simplifies access to Favorites and Voicemails.

– Call Screening quietly identifies unknown numbers—a game-changer for someone like me who gets spammed daily.

– Hold Assist can save time for people stuck in queues, like when calling Social Security or utility services.

– Messages get group polls, customizable backgrounds, and Apple Cash integration for groups.

– New spam filters and sender screening keep your inbox clean.

Live Translation: Real-Time, On-Device Language Support

– Works in Messages, FaceTime, and Phone—entirely on-device.

This could be a lifeline for communicating when English isn’t shared—Apple is finally making global conversation seamless.

Music, Maps, Wallet: Smarter Everyday Apps

Apple Music now includes Lyrics Translation and AutoMix for DJ-style transitions.

Apple Maps supports smarter commute predictions and lets you revisit previously visited locations with full privacy.

Apple Wallet now supports U.S. passports—though I really wish Texas would implement digital IDs already.

I use Apple Pay constantly, so order tracking and installment options are a welcome upgrade.

Introducing the Games App

– Personalized game suggestions, real-time competitions, and social gaming return in a modern reimagining of Game Center.

This is nostalgic and functional—I love that Apple is bringing Game Center’s soul back.

Visual Intelligence: Search Anything on Your Screen

– AI-driven visual search lets you take action on anything visible—screenshots, app content, or live camera views.

– ChatGPT integration provides smart follow-ups and questions without app switching.

Apple Watch and watchOS 26: Motivated by Design

– Liquid Glass brings a richer look and feel.

– Workout Buddy analyzes trends to motivate with personalized audio feedback.

– Wrist Flick gesture expands accessibility.

– Context-aware suggestions like sharing your location in Messages is smart design.

tvOS 26: A Cinematic Experience

– Enhanced visuals with Liquid Glass.

– Apple Music Sing turns your iPhone into a party mic.

– Auto Sign-In and personalized profiles streamline the viewing experience.

macOS Tahoe: Productivity and Personality

– Liquid Glass transforms macOS aesthetics while keeping it distinctly Mac.

– Spotlight now supports actions, clipboard history, and natural language—perfect for accessibility workarounds potentially.

– iPhone Mirroring and Live Activities enrich continuity between devices.

iPadOS 26: Pro-Level Multitasking and Content Creation

– Finally, real window management: resizable, tiled, and intuitive.

– Menu bar adds true desktop-style productivity.

– Preview and enhanced Files app boosts creative workflows.

– Local Capture and audio enhancements hint at a Loopback-style experience—could this be a dream come true for iPad content creators?

visionOS 26: A Spatial Future

– New widgets, spatial browsing, and more realistic Personas.

– Exciting accessory support including PlayStation VR2 and Logitech Muse.

– A future of immersive spatial experiences is taking shape faster than expected.

Developer Tools: Foundation Models and Xcode Assist

– Developers get direct access to Apple’s AI models.

– Xcode Assist + ChatGPT = coding joy.

– Swift enhancements and App Intents simplify app-building for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s WWDC 2025 was bold, broad, and deeply aligned with where tech is heading. I’ll be installing all the betas on day one—I need hands-on experience with everything Apple Intelligence promises.

As a dev and tech lover, this is the kind of evolution I live for. Can’t wait to see how the community leverages all this power.

If you’re considering jumping in, now’s the time. The future of Apple platforms is bright—and brilliantly intelligent.

Check more of my work on Substack

Why I Bought the Rabbit R1 (Even Though It’s Not Accessible)?

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When the Rabbit R1 was first announced, it generated a lot of buzz—this tiny, stylish device promised to reinvent personal computing with the help of artificial intelligence. But as a blind accessibility specialist, I didn’t rush to pre-order one. In fact, it was my friend Michael who picked one up when it launched—and after a few underwhelming attempts to use it, the device sat untouched for months.

That changed one day when we were bored. Out of curiosity (and maybe stubbornness), we decided to give the Rabbit R1 another spin.

My Background: Accessibility Matters, But I Love Good AI

Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning where I come from. I’m an accessibility specialist by trade—ensuring digital experiences work for blind and low vision users. But I’m also someone who loves good AI. When I see potential in a tool, I don’t write it off just because it’s not perfect. I see it as a challenge and an opportunity for improvement.

The First Time Around: Meh

When Michael first unboxed the Rabbit R1, nothing about it screamed “usable” for blind users. No screen reader. No haptic cues. No audio guidance. It felt like another AI device that forgot we exist. So we set it aside.

What Is the Rabbit R1?

The Rabbit R1 is a handheld AI-powered device built around a system the company calls a Large Action Model (LAM). Unlike traditional voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, Rabbit is built to do things—log into websites, automate tasks, and control other apps or systems based on your requests.

It includes:
– A push-to-talk button
– A scroll wheel
– A rotating camera (Rabbit Eye)
– A touchscreen
– A USB-C port

But where it really shines is online, through a tool called the Rabbit Hole.

Into the Rabbit Hole

The Rabbit Hole is Rabbit’s web interface—this is where the magic really starts for those of us who rely on screen readers.

Once logged in, I explored several modes, including:

Playground

This is where you can type out any task in natural language. I told it: “Update my server.” It asked for my login credentials, then proceeded to connect and walked me through the entire update process. Within 10–15 minutes, it had performed the task. This kind of real-world automation—without needing a traditional terminal—was a huge win.

Cookie Jar

This is where Rabbit stores login credentials for services. The catch? It uses a virtual browser window that’s not accessible. I had to rely on NVDA OCR to locate fields and type in my credentials. Frustrating, but I made it work.

Real Tasks I Completed

Once I got the hang of things, I started pushing Rabbit’s limits:
– Described collectibles on Michael’s bookshelf
– Researched business strategies
– Debugged Python code
– Found cheap 3D printer filament
– Ran server commands
– Opened multiple windows for parallel tasks

Intern Mode: Rabbit’s Own AI Agent

Rabbit recently introduced Intern, a new mode that acts as your AI assistant. Some tasks it can perform include:
– Creating online courses
– Writing Python apps
– Summarizing news in Word documents

However, it has limitations:
– Audio editing had strange sounds
– Video uploads failed
– Audio-to-text didn’t work
– Editing Squarespace sites was unsuccessful

One win: generating alt text for images worked.

Today’s Test: Navigating the R1’s On-Device Menu

I wanted to figure out how to manage the R1’s menu. First, I tried using my Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, but they weren’t helpful. They read some text but gave inaccurate or bad information.

Then, I used Seeing AI. I pressed the side button and used the scroll wheel while in short text mode. Seeing AI read out items like Settings and Updates, but it didn’t indicate what was selected. I had to rely on my remaining vision to identify the red selection highlight.

I counted five items down to reach Updates and used the side button to select it. It wasn’t perfect, but it was usable with some effort.

Why I Bought One Anyway

After testing Michael’s device, I saw real potential and ordered my own Rabbit R1 from Best Buy. It will arrive Thursday. Michael will help me set it up, and I’m fine with that. This device, despite its flaws, shows what’s possible when AI meets utility.

Looking Ahead: Opening a Dialogue

I don’t expect the Rabbit R1 to be perfect yet. But I believe in progress. I plan to start a dialogue with Rabbit’s team about how to make the device more accessible to blind and low vision users. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s a foundation for innovation, and I’m excited to help drive that conversation forward.

Check out my work at

https://taylorarndt.substack.com

iOS 18: The Ultimate Upgrade

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iOS 18 Icon

Apple has unveiled iOS 18, a major update packed with new features, enhancements, and improvements that redefine the iPhone experience.  This release introduces Apple Intelligence, a suite of personalized features that make your iPhone more intuitive and helpful. Here’s an in-depth look at everything iOS 18 has to offer.

Apple Intelligence: Your Personalized Assistant

Apple Intelligence is the highlight of iOS 18, offering a new level of customization and smart capabilities across the entire operating system. Designed to understand your personal context, Apple Intelligence suggests actions, assists with writing, and offers tailored recommendations. This feature brings a smarter, more context-aware Siri, new writing tools, and more precise notifications, making your iPhone experience more seamless and intuitive. I currently use the iPhone 14 and look forward to upgrading to take full advantage of these features—this is the highlight for me.

Enhanced Siri Experience

Siri has received a significant upgrade in iOS 18, featuring improved language understanding and contextual awareness. Siri now anticipates your needs, offers real-time suggestions, and understands commands based on your current activity, integrating even more closely into your daily routine. A potential application I am exploring is whether Siri’s screen-aware feature can read unlabeled buttons on the screen, which would greatly enhance usability.

Customization at Your Fingertips

iOS 18 allows you to personalize your iPhone like never before:

– Rearrange Apps and Widgets: Easily customize your Home Screen layout by rearranging apps and widgets.

– New App Icon Look: Choose a Dark mode look, tint app icons with any color, or let iOS suggest a color based on your wallpaper.

– Locked and Hidden Apps: Secure sensitive apps with Face ID, keeping your data safe when sharing your device.

Redesigned Control Center

The Control Center receives a complete overhaul with new groups of controls that are accessible with a single swipe. You can customize controls, resize them, and group them as you like. The new Controls Gallery allows you to add your favorite controls from various apps, enhancing personalization.

Photos App: A New Way to Relive Memories

The Photos app has been completely redesigned, making it easier to organize and access your library:

– Browse by Topic: Collections organize your photos by recent days, people, pets, and trips, providing a more intuitive browsing experience.

– Customize Collections: Pin your favorite collections, ensuring your most cherished photos are always easy to find.

Messages: More Fun and Functional

iOS 18 brings exciting new ways to communicate in Messages:

– Text Effects: Apply animated effects to text, words, or emojis, with suggestions appearing as you type.

– Tapback with Any Emoji or Sticker: Express yourself with a wider variety of emojis and stickers in your responses.

– Messages via Satellite: Stay connected without Wi-Fi or cellular, using satellite technology on supported iPhones.

– Schedule Messages: Use the Send Later feature to schedule messages for a specific time, ensuring you never forget to send an important text. This feature is a welcome addition as it allows scheduling communications at the most appropriate times.

Mail: Coming Soon with New Features

Later this year, iOS 18 will introduce Mail improvements with automatic categorization and a focus on important messages. The new Primary category will help users manage their inbox more effectively, prioritizing time-sensitive and significant emails. With the volume of emails I receive, this enhancement will be transformative in streamlining my communication management.

Safari: Smarter Browsing

Safari in iOS 18 introduces Highlights, automatically detecting relevant information on a page and making it easily accessible. A redesigned Reader mode now includes a table of contents and high-level summaries, allowing users to get a quick overview of articles before diving in.

Maps: Explore Like Never Before

iOS 18 brings new topographic maps and trail networks, making it easy to plan hikes and outdoor activities. Users can create custom routes, download maps for offline use, and access detailed hiking information, including trail length and elevation. I am particularly interested in exploring whether the custom route’s function can work like waypoints, enhancing navigation similar to Good Maps.

Game Mode: Elevate Your Gaming Experience

Game Mode minimizes background activity to maintain high frame rates and reduce audio latency, especially when using AirPods and wireless game controllers. This ensures smooth gameplay and an immersive gaming experience.

New Wallet Features

The Wallet app now supports Tap to Cash, allowing iPhone users to complete transactions by simply bringing their devices together. This new capability will make Apple Cash transactions even more convenient. Additionally, users can now pay with rewards and set up installment payments for Apple Pay, offering greater flexibility in managing payments.

Enhanced Accessibility Features

iOS 18 introduces revolutionary accessibility updates:

– Eye Tracking: Control your iPhone using just your eyes.

– Music Haptics: Sync the iPhone Taptic Engine with the rhythm of songs, enhancing the music experience for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

– Vocal Shortcuts: Record specific sounds to trigger actions on iPhone, assisting those with atypical speech in communicating more effectively.

Privacy and Security Enhancements

Privacy remains a priority with redesigned Privacy and Security settings, offering easier ways to manage what information you share with apps. New contact-sharing controls and improved Bluetooth privacy provide users with more control over their data.

Additional Updates

iOS 18 brings a host of other features, including:

– Live Call Transcription: Record and transcribe phone calls directly from the Phone app. This feature is invaluable for capturing discussions and sharing notes within my team.

– New Calculator Features: Access the Math Notes calculator and explore unit conversion and history features in a new portrait mode, potentially revolutionizing accessibility in math.

– Freeform Updates: New diagramming modes, alignment tools, and improved sharing options make Freeform boards even more versatile.

iOS 18 Release Date and Compatibility

iOS 18 is set to be released on September 16th and will be compatible with a wide range of iPhone models, from the iPhone 11 up to the latest iPhone 16 series. With so many new features, iOS 18 promises to be the most powerful and personalized iPhone experience yet.

Reporting In

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iAccessibility Logo

Hello everyone,

We are excited to announce that the iAccessibility Report is back and better than ever! We have been working hard to bring you new and exciting content on assistive technology.

In our new blog posts, we will be discussing the latest technologies and developments in the world of assistive technology.

We will also be discussing the accessibility features of various devices and software, including smartphones, laptops, and apps. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which products are the most accessible. We aim to provide clear and concise information to help you make informed choices and decisions.

We are so excited to bring you this new content and to continue the conversation on assistive technology. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts and be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on all the latest news and developments.

Thank you for your support and we can’t wait to share all of this new content with you!

Sincerely,

The iAccessibilityTeam

Personal Safety App Review

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Hands on Safety logo

Below are a few of the personal safety apps that were discussed on the show. All of them are useful in different ways in the event of an emergency. I have tested for their accessibility and use ability. Some are listed among the top apps for 2020.

EMNet FindERNow

App Store Rating: 4.3 

Price: Free with an option to upgrade if you want more information on paediatric options

Helps you find the closest ER with one click and uses the  phone’s built in GPS to get you directions.

This app, created by Massachusetts General Hospital in MA, helps you find the closest ER with one click and uses the  phone’s built in GPS to get you directions. Perfect for use while traveling or at home, it is important to note; this app only works in the United States.

Most of the options on the screen are labeled for VoiceOver users. In the map area, at the center of the main screen, there are even rotor options for zoom and points of interest. The buttons to call 911, your location, pin markers for the hospitals, and the link to start getting directions all work correctly. You can even double -tap and hold on the hospital name to get more information. There are a few places, however, that are not labeled. There is an unlabeled heading at the top and two at the bottom which VoiceOver reads as possible text for location and menu, but they cannot seem to be activated with or without VoiceOver.

I found the app to be straightforward and fairly intuitive to use. Upon opening the app for the first time, you will have the option of allowing it to use your location. This is necessary if you want the app to locate options near you. Tapping on the  nearest location took me to the Map’s app for GPS and the menu option gave me more information about each hospital in my area.

Siren GPS

App Store Rating: 4.4

Price: FreeAdds a panic button to your phone that calls 911 or its equivalent. Will determine your location only if your community subscribes to Siren 911.

Note: this app is available in multiple countries around the world.

When you first open the app, it asks you to use your location as most other apps do. Then it asks you to create an account. It’s a pretty accessible set up process. After all that is done, the main page is pretty accessible. If you are in an emergency, you can hit the Fire, ambulance, or Police button and it will ask if you want to call 911. 

ICE Medical Standard

App Store Rating: 4.4

Price: Free with in app purchases

Offers a medical ID which displays on your phone’s lock screen.

This app allows you to create a medical ID and have it as an overlay for your wallpaper on your lock screen. When you first open the app, it puts you right on the ICE tab and you can fill out or edit the information. It asks for information such as your name, address, photo, emergency contact, gender, birthday, allergies, medications and more general information. You can add as little or as much personal information as you wish. You will need to go into the. Wallpaper tab to enable it to show on your lock screen. It is also recommended that this app is easily accessible by having it in the top right or left corner of your home screen if you do not wish to have your personal information on your lock screen. It is very easy to use on iOS and is also available for Android.

Medical ID

Android only

The major difference between this app and the ICE app is that you can send location information to emergency contacts, set up multiple profiles for different family members, and call ICE contacts from your lock screen.

Circle of Six

App Store Rating: 4.4

Price: Free

IOS only

Aimed specifically at college students, Circle of Six allows you to add six trusted contacts to the app so they can be notified with  2 taps that you need help, even if it means you  need a phone call to give you an excuse to walk away.

One thing to note for any VoiceOver users out there, the app is not great on iOS. Also, Canada is not an available region. 

Find My 

Only available on Apple Devices

All ready installed when device is purchased

This app allows you to track your friends and devices. Of course, a friend has to give you permission to track them or vice versa. It is useful in situations when you know a friend or a family member is expected somewhere at a certain time and they don’t show up or if they don’t answer their phone. Those are just a few examples of how it can be used.

Google Trusted Contacts

Appstore Rating: 2.6

Price: Free

This app allows users to have a direct line of sharing between one another. It let’s you add trusted contacts who then can request your location if there is an issue. However, you can deny the request if everything is fine. If you are not able to respond, your last known location is sent automatically within a certain timeframe. 

When you first open the app, it asks you to sign in. After you go through all the steps to sign in and grant or deny Google access to your location, it will ask you which contacts you want to add as trusted contacts. After all this is done, you are good to go. The app is very accessible and straight forward. 

After some exploration, I can’t seem to find this app on the Play Store.

Conclusion

These are only a handful of the safety apps out there. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. In the end, go with what you feel is best for you. If you do have suggestions for other safety apps that we haven’t explored, do feel free to send us an email at feedback@handsonsafety.net

#iAUnboxCast 44 – Google Pixel 4

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Pixel 4 front and back

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On this episode, Jason, Aleeha, and Michael unbox the Google Pixel 4

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

#iACast 140 – Staying Productive In The New Year

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On this episode, Michael, Aleeha, Leslie, and Jason discuss apps that help them stay fit, productive, and safe online, as we enter the new decade. To that end, if you’re interested to see if any accounts have been hacked, you can visit Have I been pwned. Just enter your email address, and hit the “Powned?” Button.

News

The coronavirus is upending the tech industry’s supply chain, affecting the ability of companies such as Apple, to keep up with consumer demand.

Picks

Aleeha: AirPods Pro

Leslie: A Blight of Blackwings by Kevin Hearne

Jason: Locke And Key

Michael: [Incase compact nylon sleeve](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HNQ32ZM/A/incase-compact-sleeve-in-flight-nylon-for-16-macbook-pro-and-15-macbook-pro?fnode=9e&fs=fh%3D4598%252B4c0f)
Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

#iACast 139 – Past Innovations

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On this episode, Aleeha, Jason, Leslie, Meaghan and Michael discuss some of the great technology released in the last decade. While talking about the Amazon Echo devices, the comical Echo Silver Video from Youtube came up and we thought we would share the link with you for your entertainment.

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A new podcast will premier in a few weeks. Hands-On Safety will be a monthly podcast discussing topics pertaining to personal safety and awareness for people with disabilities.

Picks

Meaghan: Apple TV+
Leslie: Amazon Echo Show
Jason: Beats Solo-Pro
Aleeha: 2019 16 inch MacBook Pro
Michael: Star Trek Picard

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

#iACast 135 – Preparing for a Power Outage

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On this episode, Aleeha, Leslie, and Jason discuss ways to prepare both you and your tech for a power outage. They also talk about some low-tech ideas that can help you insure you’ve got all you need to stay informed, entertained, and safe, until power is restored.

News

Apple releases AirPods Pro.
Apple TV+ is here.
Apple has released iOS and iPadOS 13.2, and an article from AppleVis goes into great detail about bug fixes that can be found in the latest versions.
Google has purchased Fitbit.

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Training services

Picks

Leslie: AMBEO Smart Headset
Jason: iPhone 11 Pro Max
Aleeha: NosillaCast

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

#iACast 132 – Amazon Echo Announcements 2019

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Echo Dot with Clock

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On this episode, Michael and Jason discuss the wide range of new Alexa products announced at Amazon’s September 25th event. These include the Echo Studio, Echo Buds, Echo Frames, Echo Loop, and so much more.

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Online SwiftUI Training

Providing Feedback

We love hearing from you, so feel free to send an email to feedback@iaccessibility.net. You can follow us on Facebook, and Twitter. You can also find us on Reddit, and all around the web. Also, don’t forget to check out our YouTube page, and for all things iACast, check out our iACast page. If you’d like to help support us, you can do so via our PayPal and Patreon pages. If you wish to interact with us during our podcasts live then please do join us on our Slack channel.

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