Assistive Access

Guide for implementing Assistive Access support in iOS and iPadOS apps. Assistive Access (iOS 17+/iPadOS 17+) provides a streamlined system experience for people with cognitive disabilities, presenting simplified interfaces with large controls and reduced complexity.

When This Skill Activates

• User wants to add Assistive Access support to their app
• User asks about cognitive accessibility or simplified interfaces
• User mentions AssistiveAccess, UISupportsAssistiveAccess, or assistive access scenes
• User needs runtime detection of Assistive Access mode
• User is reviewing accessibility compliance for cognitive disabilities
• User asks about .assistiveAccessNavigationIcon

Setup

The Three Integration Levels (WWDC25 238)

• No adoption: the app runs in a reduced frame to leave room for the system back button always shown along the bottom (back returns to the Assistive Access Home Screen). The reduced frame keeps apps built for specific device sizes rendering correctly.
• Full screen as-is (UISupportsFullScreenInAssistiveAccess): for apps already designed for cognitive accessibility, AAC apps and similar tools. The app looks identical to normal, just full-screen; requires layout that adapts to arbitrary sizes.
• AssistiveAccess scene (UISupportsAssistiveAccess + the scene below, iOS 26/ iPadOS 26): a tailored experience where native controls automatically render in the large, prominent Assistive Access style and follow the user's grid-or-rows layout setting. Recommended when unsure (WWDC25 238).

The Assistive Access mode itself shipped with iOS 17; the AssistiveAccess scene type, UISupportsAssistiveAccess key, and .assistiveAccess preview trait are iOS 26 APIs.

Step 1: Declare Support in Info.plist

Add these keys to your app's Info.plist so the system lists your app as an "Optimized App" in Assistive Access configuration: