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

> Apple TV launches sign language interpretation as an accessibility setting, not a separate product, starting with disability rights biopic Being Heumann.
- Title: Apple TV adds sign language to films as built-in feature
- Summary: Apple TV launches sign language interpretation as an accessibility setting, not a separate product, starting with disability rights biopic Being Heumann.
- Keywords: apple tv, accessibility, sign language interpretation, deaf audiences, being heumann, american sign language, british sign language, TechCrunch
- Source: TechCrunch — https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/10/apple-tv-makes-sign-language-interpretation-a-built-in-accessibility-feature
- Author: Sarah Perez
- Published: 2026-11-10T16:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple tv, accessibility, sign language interpretation, deaf audiences, being heumann, american sign language, british sign language, technology, startups
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Apple TV is adding sign language interpretation as a built-in accessibility feature, available as a toggle setting alongside captions, starting with Being Heumann on Friday.