iOS 15 Eye Tracking Accessibility Features

Apple introduced expanded support for third-party eye-tracking accessories in iOS 15, significantly enhancing device independence for individuals with severe physical and motor limitations. This update enabled compatible hardware to transform eye gaze into direct on-screen navigation, allowing users to control an iPhone or iPad without any physical touch. By deeply integrating eye-tracking functionality into the core operating system, iOS 15 established a more accessible, responsive, and customizable experience for gaze-based interaction.

Native Support for Third-Party Eye Trackers

With iOS 15, Apple integrated support for Made for iPhone (MFi) eye-tracking devices directly into the operating system. Rather than relying on proprietary, fragmented third-party software, external eye-tracking hardware could communicate natively with the device via AssistiveTouch, establishing a standardized connection across supported hardware.

Gaze-Driven Pointer Movement

Once an eye-tracking device is connected, iOS 15 allows the user's eye movements to guide an on-screen pointer. The system includes options to adjust:

  • Tracking Sensitivity: Users can modify how quickly and fluidly the pointer moves across the screen.
  • Pointer Smoothing: Reduces jitter caused by natural micro-movements of the eye, stabilizing target selection.

Dwell Control Integration

A key addition for eye tracking in iOS 15 is deep integration with Dwell Control. This feature enables users to perform actions simply by resting their gaze on a specific screen area for a predetermined amount of time. Options include:

  • Custom Dwell Time: Adjusting the exact number of seconds required to confirm a selection.
  • Automatic Tapping: Executing a primary click or tap automatically when the dwell timer finishes.
  • Dwell Menus: Accessing quick menus for secondary actions like double-tapping, dragging, or long-pressing.

Full System Control via AssistiveTouch

Through the AssistiveTouch menu, eye-tracking users can execute system functions that previously required physical button presses or multi-finger gestures. By focusing their gaze on the AssistiveTouch menu, users can:

  • Scroll through documents and web pages.
  • Access the Home screen, App Switcher, and Control Center.
  • Trigger Siri.
  • Adjust hardware volume, lock the screen, or take screenshots.

On-Device Calibration

iOS 15 added integrated calibration settings for supported accessories. Users can calibrate and fine-tune their tracking accuracy directly within the Accessibility menu, ensuring the device accurately aligns the user's line of sight with the targeted pixels on the display.