With the release of the latest update to Apple's iPhone operating system, iOS17.2 there are a number of features marketed as making life more convenient. These include the ability to share passes (like Cinema Tickets) by bringing phones close together or add health data by asking Siri to log the information. While these save time in taking multiple steps to achieve otherwise, they also make the iPhone more accessible. Both features reduce the friction and provide more options for users to achieve what they need to do.
The ability to add health data using Siri, makes it much easier for visually impaired users or users with motor issues to log health data. For these users, this update is an accessibility enhancement. It is true that better accessibility features improve products for everyone.
Take some time to reflect on the features you use to make life more convenient and consider how they also support people with disabilities.
At a high level, this new Siri functionality is spiritually similar to the PassDrop feature insofar as they remove barriers to access. Like with sharing Wallet passes or contact details, that someone can rely upon Siri to record health data and/or ask for it means less searching and less expended energy. Apple is absolutely right to market these abilities as convenient, but to reiterate an earlier point, what’s also true is they have the potential to make a big difference in terms of accessibility.
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