Apple’s visual accessibility ratings decline due to Liquid Glass interface issues

Apple’s visual accessibility features saw a decline in the 2025 Apple Vision Accessibility Report Card, with overall user satisfaction dropping to 3.7 out of 5. This decrease was largely due to problems linked to the company’s new Liquid Glass interface update, which negatively affected many low-vision users. While features like VoiceOver and braille support received praise, the report highlights persistent bugs and usability challenges that Apple has yet to fully resolve.

Produced annually by the nonprofit AppleVis, which advocates for blind, DeafBlind, and low-vision Apple users, the report aggregates feedback from a broad survey conducted in 2025. Participants evaluated accessibility across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, assessing both new features and longstanding issues. Despite Apple’s vocal commitment to inclusivity, the survey reveals increasing frustration around the company’s visual interface overhaul.

Liquid Glass, Apple’s 2025 visual redesign focused on glossy translucency and dynamic layering, emerged as a particular issue. Many respondents said it compromised clarity and usability, reducing effectiveness for users reliant on screen magnification or contrast adjustments. Conversely, VoiceOver remains a strong feature, described by users as “first-class” and “by far the best screen reader.” Incremental improvements were also noted for braille support on iPadOS and macOS, along with enhanced low-vision modes on tvOS.

The report draws attention to longstanding accessibility bugs, especially affecting VoiceOver and braille users, highlighting that software quality problems have persisted and worsened with recent updates. This disparity between Apple’s public messaging on accessibility progress and the actual user experience may harm the company’s reputation within the communities it aims to support.

AppleVis’s findings emphasize the complexities of evolving a widely used ecosystem while ensuring reliability for users dependent on assistive technologies. The mixed results indicate that while features like VoiceOver remain best in class, fundamental visual interface changes require further refinement. With competitors like Microsoft and Google also advancing their accessibility innovations, Apple must expedite fixes to maintain its leadership position.

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The full 2025 AppleVis Visual Accessibility Report Card is available online for those seeking an in-depth exploration of Apple’s accessibility progress and challenges this year.