Apple looks for way to help the disabled better use iPhones, iPads

Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,732,829) for “devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for providing control of a touch-based user interface absent physical touch capabilities.” The goal is to make it easier for folks with certain disabilities to use iPhone and iPads.

In the patent data, Apple notes that people without fine motor skills in their hands, such as quadriplegics and those with severe cerebral palsy, find the use of devices with touch-based user interfaces difficult, if not impossible. Apple wants to overcome this.

Here’s the summary of the invention: “An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface displays, on the display, a first visual indicator that corresponds to a virtual touch. The device receives a first input from an adaptive input device. In response to receiving the first input from the adaptive input device, the device displays a first menu on the display. The first menu includes a virtual touches selection icon. In response to detecting selection of the virtual touches selection icon, a menu of virtual multitouch contacts is displayed.”