Category: Book Info

iOS 18 Edition Coming Soon

Apple released iOS 18 on September 16, and I’m working hard on a new version of iOS Access for All that covers the new features, particularly those that provide greater accessibility. I know that waiting for a new edition of the book may be tough for those who have already upgraded to iOS 18, so I’m making the same offer I do each fall – if you purchase iOS Access for All, the iOS 17 edition, from my Web site,, I’ll send you the iOS 18 edition when it’s published, absolutely free. No need to ask, or do anything else to get your iOS 18 update. I’ll email links to new books to everyone who purchases the iOS 17 edition after September 16.

You may also be wondering how I plan to handle Apple Intelligence, the new AI offering that’s expected to be part of iOS 18.1. There will be an update to the iOS 18 edition of the book that will include Apple Intelligence. Right now, I plan to cover a topic within the existing chapter, but I’ll sprinkle relevant content throughout the update book. I say – right now – because I want to be sure before I follow this course that what we get from the shipping version of Apple Intelligence is what we expect. If it isn’t, I might need a new plan. But however I need to cover the topic, there will be an update. And those who buy the iOS 18 edition of the book will get that update free when it’s released. If you’re receiving the free iOS 18 edition, because you bought the iOS 17 book, there will be a small fee for that update. I think this is the fairest way to make sure that folks whose devices are not Apple Intelligence-ready, get the same deal on the book they’ve always had, while still giving me the opportunity to be compensated for the time it takes to write up such a significant update.

When should I buy my copy of iOS Access for All?

If your iPhone or iPad supports iOS 18, but not Apple Intelligence, buy your book now from my site to get the free iOS 18 update. This affects anyone with a device prior to the iPhone 15 Pro or a non-Apple Silicon iPad. You can also wait for the iOS 18 edition, and get the book for the usual price, either here, or on Apple Books.

Or.

If you’re interested in Apple Intelligence, and have an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or if your iPad has an M1 or newer chip, wait to buy the iOS 18 edition when it becomes available, either here or on Apple Books. You’ll get that book right away, plus the Apple Intelligence-friendly update, when that’s ready.

What Readers Say

I’ve heard from so many people who enjoy the book. Here are some examples:

Thank you Shelly. The IOS Acess for All resource is wonderful!

Maureen Orcutt

I’ve recommended the book to anyone I know learning to use iOS accessibility. This is one of the first resources I share with students learning to use an iOS device, and now, her stellar customer service just makes the book and working with her an even better experience.

As a Voiceover user, I learned a few things I didn’t know. As a special education consultant, working with students with learning disabilities, I found a wealth of resources for them that have helped me open doors for them.

Leo Bissonnette, Ph.D.

This looks very comprehensive, and I like Shelly’s writing style and attention to detail.

a reader

iOS Access for All is a must read for anyone who is seriously interested in iOS accessibility.

Robert Carter
The Tech Doctor Podcas

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FAQ

A lot of people have let me know they are excited about iOS Access for All. I’ve also been asked a number of questions about the book. Here we go!

Question: What’s the focus of the book?

Answer: iOS Access for All is a comprehensive guide to accessibility in the Apple mobile environment. Part One introduces Apple’s approach to accessibility on the iOS platform, and provides a quick start, for those eager to use their devices right away. Part Two features step-by-step instructions for enabling and using iOS’ accessibility features, along with tips and workarounds that will help you become a power user. I also cover accessories, and connectivity to hardware devices, like Braille displays, keyboards, hearing aides, and switches. Major sections cover the following areas:

  • Quickstart for enabling accessibility features
  • VoiceOver
  • Low-vision tools: zoom, invert colors, enlarged text, increase contrast
  • Siri and other voice input options
  • Tools for users with learning disabilities
  • Switch Control, and other options for users with physical disabilities
  • Guided Access and its role in supporting cognitive disabilities

Many iOS features that are not designed specifically for accessibility can and do provide enhanced access. For example, Siri and voice dictation give blind and motor-impaired users more flexibility when using iOS devices, and visually-impaired folks can turn the iPhone’s camera into a magnification glass or scanner. iOS Access for All provides tips and suggestions for getting the most out of a variety of features that aren’t specific to accessibility.

Part Three is all about apps. First, I describe how accessibility works (or doesn’t) in iOS-native apps including Safari, Mail, Maps, and Messages. Then we move on to must-have third-party apps in a variety of categories, including productivity, reading, social media, navigation, and entertainment. This section also features the best of accessibility-related apps.

Here’s the complete outline:

Part One

  • Chapter 1: Accessibility, The Apple Way
  • Chapter 2: Orientation and Quickstart: Set Up Accessibility
Part 2
  • Chapter 3: VoiceOver
  • Chapter 4: Low-Vision Access
  • Chapter 5: Siri and Voice Input
  • Chapter 6: Tools for Hearing-Impaired Users
  • Chapter 7: Physical and Learning Access
  • Chapter 8: iOS System Features and Device Management
Part 3
  • Chapter 9: Access to Apple Apps
  • Chapter 10: The Best of Accessible Apps
Appendices
  • Appendix A: VoiceOver Gestures
  • Appendix B: VoiceOver Keyboard Commands
  • Appendix C: Braille Display Commands
  • Appendix D: Set Up A New iOS Device With VoiceOver

 

Question: Do you cover all accessibility features, or just VoiceOver?

Answer: All of them. VoiceOver is a big part of the book, because it requires users to learn a complete system of gestures in order to use what is essentially a visually-oriented device. Assistive Touch, Guided Access, Switch Control, and the suite of features for hearing-impaired and low-vision users also receive comprehensive coverage.

Question: How is your book different than other resources out there?

Answer: The Web is bursting with resources for users of iOS, including a number of sites and ebooks that address accessibility. First let me say that I’m very glad that so much iOS information exists. I have learned from many of these resources, and will continue to do so. Many of these are specific to VoiceOver, to applications, like voice input, or subject areas like education. Some resources are unfamiliar to folks outside the accessibility community, and some are in formats that limit their availability. Sadly, a few of the most interesting sites have become outdated. As I’ve pointed out in this post, my goal is to be truly comprehensive, and to update my information regularly, and with plenty of input from readers. I also bring 25 years’ experience as a technology journalist to this project. I have written 12 user-oriented, how-to books, and hundreds of product reviews and magazine articles. I am building an accurate, tested, and easy-to-understand guide for iOS users at all levels.

Question: Where can I buy the book, and in what formats will the book be published?

Answer: iOS Access for All is currently available on my Web site in ePub format. It’s compatible with apple’s iBooks app, and other apps and readers that support ePub. These include Voice Dream Reader, the Firefox ePub browser extension, and more. An accessible PDF version will be available soon.

Question: How can I keep up with your progress on the book, and give you feedback about my favorite iOS apps?

Answer: The Web site for the book is here. You can subscribe to the RSS feed, send me an email, or join the mailing list for periodic updates. Follow the book on Twitter, and join in the discussion of all things iOS accessibility on Facebook.

Question: Who are you again, and what do you know about iOS and accessibility?

Answer: I have written about technology for more than 25 years. I served as editor-in-chief of Blogger & Podcaster Magazine, and I spent five years as an editor at MacUser Magazine. I produce Parallel, a tech podcast with accessibility sprinkles, and used to make App Store Pundit, an iOS app review podcast. I am also visually-impaired, and a daily user of iOS accessibility tools. If you want more, here’s the full bio.