Apple has unveiled a new accessibility feature for its Apple TV app, which allows viewers to watch selected titles with sign language interpretation. This feature will launch on Friday, November 13, coinciding with the global streaming debut of Being Heumann, a film about the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, available on Apple TV.
Alongside Being Heumann, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretations will also be available for the movie F1. Additional titles such as Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound are set to follow later this year, with more Apple Originals planned for future release. The sign language option can be enabled in the settings of the Apple TV app, making it accessible across supported Apple Original titles.
“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. Accessibility is a core value at Apple, and we’re proud to continue creating experiences that allow more people to enjoy the content they love.”
Designed with the Deaf Community in Mind
Apple TV’s sign language experience has been crafted and tested by Deaf and native signers. Each interpreted performance is specifically designed to align with and enhance the Apple Original film it accompanies.
Daniel Durant, who stars in Being Heumann and directed the film’s sign language interpretation, expressed, “It’s incredibly meaningful to see our beautiful language authentically represented onscreen. Bringing this experience to life required a lot of care to ensure every translation captured the emotion and meaning of the story. I’m proud to have been part of Being Heumann and thrilled to see Apple TV supporting greater accessibility for Deaf audiences.”
Discovering Sign Language Titles
Titles with sign language interpretation will be marked with a Sign Language icon, indicating their availability. Viewers can activate the feature within the Apple TV app and press the Sign Language button while watching. The search function will also be enhanced to help users find titles by using simple phrases like “with ASL.”
As more streaming services offer sign language interpretations, Apple TV has introduced the “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” collection, providing a dedicated space for viewers to explore titles featuring sign language.
Being Heumann tells the story of Judy Heumann (played by Ruth Madeley), who, alongside over 100 disability rights activists, organized a significant protest in San Francisco in 1977 to advocate for systemic change. This film is part of Apple Original Films’ collaboration with writer-director Siân Heder, who directed the Oscar-winning film CODA, noted for its predominantly Deaf cast.
Apple TV offers a wide range of premium dramas, comedies, feature films, documentaries, and family entertainment. It launched on November 1, 2019, as the first all-original streaming service worldwide, quickly amassing a number of original hits and award recognitions. So far, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have garnered 919 wins and 3,829 nominations.
Apple TV is available through the Apple TV app in 100 countries and on over 1 billion devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Macs, and various smart TVs and streaming devices. The service costs $14.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, and a three-month free promotion is available for new device purchases.