Apple TV adds sign language to films as built-in feature

Apple launches sign language feature

Apple TV announced a new Sign Language Interpretation feature on Tuesday to make content more accessible to Deaf audiences. The feature launches Friday with Being Heumann, a biopic about disability rights activist Judy Heumann.

How it works: a toggle, not a separate film

The sign language version is not a separate product for Deaf viewers. Instead, it is a setting you enable integrated with the main title, similar to turning closed captions on or off.

Interpreter appears on screen in real time

When a title with sign language is playing, an interpreter appears in the bottom right of the screen, translating spoken words into signs.

No AI interpreters, by design

Apple is not using AI-generated interpreters. The company says that is not what the Deaf community has said it needs, prioritizing human interpreters instead.

Initial titles and languages available

Being Heumann launches Friday with American Sign Language and British Sign Language. F1 will also get ASL and BSL. Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will follow later this year.

Finding titles with sign language

The feature ships in iOS twenty seven point two and is enabled through Settings.Supported titles show a sign language icon on the title page.

Apple frames accessibility as core value

Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, said bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making viewing more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.

“Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.”