Apple TV is getting a new accessibility feature that lets viewers watch supported movies and shows with sign language interpretation. The feature launches Friday, November 13, with the global streaming debut of Being Heumann, a film based on the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann.
“At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. “Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences. Accessibility is a core value at Apple, and we’re proud to continue creating experiences that allow more people to enjoy the content they love.”
Designed with the help of the Deaf community
Apple says it worked with Deaf and native signers to develop and test its sign language interpretation feature. Rather than simply adding generic interpretation to its movies, the company says each performance is tailored to the particular Apple Original production.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see our beautiful language authentically represented onscreen,” said Daniel Durant, who appears in Being Heumann and directed the film’s sign language interpretation. “Bringing this experience to life required a lot of care to ensure every translation captured the emotion and meaning of the story. I’m proud to have been part of Being Heumann and thrilled to see Apple TV supporting greater accessibility for Deaf audiences.”
Sign language interpretation gradually being added to Apple TV
Photo: Apple TV
The new Sign Language option will initially support American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL).
In addition to Being Heumann, Apple’s racing movie F1 will offer both ASL and BSL interpretation. Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound are scheduled to get the feature later this year, with more Apple Original titles to follow.
Viewers can enable Sign Language in the Apple TV app settings. Once activated, supported movies and shows will display a Sign Language option that viewers can select while watching.
Apple will also make supported titles easier to find. Movies and shows offering sign language interpretation will carry a dedicated icon. Users can search for content using phrases such as “with ASL.”
The Apple TV app will also introduce a dedicated “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” collection, giving viewers one place to browse supported content.
Requirements
The Sign Language interpretation feature will be available to Apple TV subscribers starting November 13 on devices running iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 or visionOS 27.2 and later. It will also work on supported third-party devices running the latest version of the Apple TV app.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 26 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
