Apple today announced a new accessibility feature for the Apple TV app that gives viewers the option to watch supported movies and shows with on-screen sign language interpretation. An interpreter will appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen, with the experience said to have been designed and tested by Deaf and native signers.
The feature is available in the Apple TV app on devices running iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2 or later.
American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will be available for Being Heumann, which chronicles the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The movie begins streaming in the Apple TV app on Friday.
Apple said sign language interpretation will also be available for the movie F1, and for the movies Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound later this year. Over time, the option will expand to additional Apple Original films and series.
"Each performance is carefully crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets," said Apple.
Titles with sign language interpretation will be labeled with a Sign Language icon. Viewers can enable the feature in the Apple TV app's settings, and then press the Sign Language button while watching a supported movie or show. Search will also make it easier to find titles that feature sign language with simple phrases like "with ASL."
As sign language interpretation becomes more widely available across streaming services, a new "Movies & Shows with American Sign Language" collection will be added to the Apple TV app. Apple mentioning plural "streaming services" suggests that the option will eventually be available for more than just Apple Originals.
"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."
