Apple’s Visual Accessibility Report Card: Liquid Glass and Persistent Bugs Lower Ratings
AppleVis, a community dedicated to supporting blind, DeafBlind, and low vision users of Apple products, has released its 2025 Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card. This annual evaluation assesses Apple’s performance in providing accessible technology across its ecosystem, focusing on the experiences of users with visual impairments.
Decline in Overall Satisfaction
The 2025 report indicates a decline in user satisfaction, with the cumulative rating dropping from 3.9 in 2024 to 3.7. This decrease reflects growing concerns among users regarding the effectiveness and reliability of Apple’s accessibility features.
Impact of Liquid Glass Design
A significant factor contributing to the lower ratings is the introduction of the Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. While intended to offer a sleek and modern interface, Liquid Glass has presented challenges for users with low vision. The design’s transparency and layering effects have made it difficult for some users to discern interface elements, leading to frustration and decreased usability.
Persistent Accessibility Bugs
In addition to design concerns, the report highlights ongoing issues with long-standing accessibility bugs. VoiceOver and braille users, in particular, have expressed dissatisfaction with software quality, citing unresolved bugs that hinder their ability to use Apple devices effectively. These persistent issues suggest a need for more rigorous testing and prompt resolution of accessibility-related problems.
Areas of Improvement
Despite the overall decline, the report notes slight improvements in certain areas. The iPadOS Braille User Experience, tvOS Low Vision User Experience, and macOS Braille User Experience each saw a modest increase of 0.1 in user satisfaction ratings. These gains indicate that targeted enhancements can positively impact user experience.
Positive Feedback on VoiceOver
VoiceOver continues to receive commendation from users. Matthew Whitaker describes it as a first-class feature on every device, while Leah Dykema refers to it as by far the best screen reader I’ve ever used. Such feedback underscores the importance of maintaining and improving this critical accessibility tool.
Recommendations for Apple
The report suggests several steps Apple can take to enhance visual accessibility:
1. Address Design Challenges: Reevaluate the Liquid Glass design to ensure it accommodates the needs of users with low vision, possibly by offering customization options to adjust transparency and contrast.
2. Resolve Persistent Bugs: Implement a more effective system for identifying and fixing long-standing accessibility bugs, ensuring that updates do not introduce new issues.
3. Engage with the Community: Foster open communication with the visually impaired community to gather feedback and involve users in the development and testing of new features.
4. Enhance Training and Support: Provide comprehensive training for developers on accessibility standards and offer robust support resources for users encountering accessibility challenges.
Conclusion
The 2025 Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work needed to make technology inclusive for all users. While Apple has made significant strides in accessibility, the introduction of the Liquid Glass design and unresolved bugs have highlighted areas requiring attention. By addressing these issues and continuing to prioritize accessibility, Apple can reaffirm its commitment to serving the needs of users with visual impairments.
