/xcode-26

Implementing Assistive Access in iOS

Overview

Assistive Access is an accessibility feature introduced in iOS and iPadOS 17 designed specifically for people with cognitive disabilities. It provides a streamlined system experience with simplified interfaces, clear pathways, and consistent design practices to reduce cognitive load.

Key characteristics of Assistive Access:

• Streamlined interactions
• Clear pathways to success
• Consistent design language
• Large controls
• Visual alternatives to text
• Reduced cognitive strain

Setting Up Assistive Access in Your App

1. Enable Assistive Access Support

Add the following key to your app's Info.plist:

<key>UISupportsAssistiveAccess</key>
<true/>

This ensures your app is listed under "Optimized Apps" in Accessibility Settings and launches in full screen when Assistive Access is enabled.

2. Full Screen Support (Optional)

If your app is already designed for cognitive disabilities (e.g., AAC apps) and you want to display it in full screen without modifications:

<key>UISupportsFullScreenInAssistiveAccess</key>
<true/>

This will display your app in full screen rather than in a reduced frame, with the same appearance as when Assistive Access is turned off.

Creating an Assistive Access Scene

SwiftUI Implementation

1. Add an AssistiveAccess scene to your app:

import SwiftUI

@main
struct MyApp: App {
  var body: some Scene {
    WindowGroup {
      ContentView()
    }
    
    AssistiveAccess {
      AssistiveAccessContentView()
    }
  }
}

2. Create a dedicated view for Assistive Access:

struct AssistiveAccessContentView: View {
  var body: some View {
    // Your streamlined interface for Assistive Access
    NavigationStack {
      List {
        // Simplified controls and options
      }
      .navigationTitle("My App")
    }
  }
}

3. Preview your Assistive Access scene:

#Preview(traits: .assistiveAccess)
AssistiveAccessContentView()

UIKit Implementation

1. Declare a SwiftUI scene with UIKit:

import UIKit
import SwiftUI

class AssistiveAccessSceneDelegate: UIHostingSceneDelegate {
  static var rootScene: some Scene {
    AssistiveAccess {
      AssistiveAccessContentView()
    }
  }
}

2. Activate the scene:

import UIKit

@main
class AppDelegate: UIApplicationDelegate {
  func application(_ application: UIApplication, configurationForConnecting connectingSceneSession: UISceneSession, options: UIScene.ConnectionOptions) -> UISceneConfiguration {
    let role = connectingSceneSession.role
    let sceneConfiguration = UISceneConfiguration(name: nil, sessionRole: role)
    if role == .windowAssistiveAccessApplication {
      sceneConfiguration.delegateClass = AssistiveAccessSceneDelegate.self
    }
    return sceneConfiguration
  }
}

Detecting Assistive Access at Runtime

You can check if Assistive Access is enabled using the environment value:

struct MyView: View {
  @Environment(\.accessibilityAssistiveAccessEnabled) var assistiveAccessEnabled
  
  var body: some View {
    if assistiveAccessEnabled {
      // Show Assistive Access optimized UI
    } else {
      // Show standard UI
    }
  }
}

Navigation Icons for Assistive Access

Add navigation icons to make your interface more visually accessible:

NavigationStack {
  MyView()
    .navigationTitle("My Feature")
    .assistiveAccessNavigationIcon(systemImage: "star.fill")
}

Or with a custom image:

.assistiveAccessNavigationIcon(Image("my-custom-icon"))

Design Principles for Assistive Access

When designing for Assistive Access, follow these key principles:

1. Distill to Core Functionality

   • Focus on one or two essential features
   • Remove distractions and unnecessary options
   • Streamline the experience

2. Clear, Prominent Controls

   • Use large, easy-to-tap buttons
   • Provide ample spacing between interactive elements
   • Avoid hidden gestures or timed interactions

3. Multiple Representations

   • Present information in multiple ways (text, icons, etc.)
   • Use visual alternatives to text
   • Ensure icons are clear and meaningful

4. Intuitive Navigation

   • Create step-by-step pathways
   • Provide clear back buttons
   • Maintain consistent navigation patterns

5. Safe Interactions

   • Remove irreversible actions when possible
   • Provide multiple confirmations for destructive actions
   • Offer clear feedback for all interactions

Control Styling in Assistive Access

When using the Assistive Access scene, native SwiftUI controls are automatically displayed in the distinctive Assistive Access design:

• Buttons, lists, and navigation titles appear in a more prominent style
• Controls adhere to the grid or row screen layout configured in Assistive Access settings
• No additional styling work is required

Testing Assistive Access Implementation

1. Preview in Xcode Use the .assistiveAccess trait in SwiftUI previews:

   #Preview(traits: .assistiveAccess)
   AssistiveAccessContentView()

2. Test on Device

   • Enable Assistive Access in Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access
   • Verify your app appears in the "Optimized Apps" list
   • Test the full user flow in Assistive Access mode

3. Accessibility Inspector Use Xcode's Accessibility Inspector to identify and fix accessibility issues

Best Practices

• Design for clarity and simplicity
• Focus on essential functionality
• Use consistent UI patterns
• Provide visual alternatives to text
• Test with actual users who have cognitive disabilities
• Combine Assistive Access with other accessibility features

References

• AssistiveAccess (SwiftUI)
• assistiveAccessNavigationIcon(_:)
• accessibilityAssistiveAccessEnabled
• WWDC 2025 Session: Customize your app for Assistive Access
• What's new in SwiftUI (WWDC 2025)
• Principles of inclusive app design