Apple TV adds sign language interpretation to original films

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 16:08 · Archive

Apple TV is adding built-in sign language interpretation to selected original titles, starting with 'Being Heumann' on 13 November.

Apple TV is launching a new accessibility feature that allows viewers to enable sign language interpretation for select original titles. The feature will debut on 13 November with the release of 'Being Heumann', a film about disability rights activist Judy Heumann. American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation will also be available for the film 'F1', with 'Greyhound' and 'Way of the Warrior Kid' to follow later in the year.

Apple's approach differs from competitors like Netflix, which uses third-party plug-ins, and Disney, Amazon and HBO, which create separate versions of content with built-in overlays. Instead, sign language interpretation on Apple TV is integrated as a toggleable setting alongside closed captions, similar to how viewers turn audio description on or off. When enabled, a real person appears as an interpreter in the bottom right corner of the screen, translating the spoken words into signs.

The feature has been designed in collaboration with Deaf and native signers, and each interpretation was 'carefully crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets'. Apple partnered with Directors of Artistic Sign Language (DASLs) to ensure the interpreter's performance matches the tone of each film. Significantly, the company is not using AI-generated or animated interpreters, having determined that this is not what the Deaf community requested.

Viewers can access the feature on Apple TV app versions running iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2 or visionOS 27.2, as well as on supported third-party devices with the latest app software. Once enabled in Settings, a sign language icon appears on supported titles. During playback, viewers can select the Sign Language option above the progress bar and choose from available languages, with the interpreter then appearing layered on top of the film.

How it is being reported

• New Apple TV Sign Language Feature AnnouncedApple 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…MacRumors · 10 Nov, 16:55
• Apple TV makes sign language interpretation a built-in accessibility featureApple TV's new accessibility feature lets viewers turn on sign language interpretation within supported titles.TechCrunch · 10 Nov, 16:00
• Apple brings Sign Language interpretation to a selection of original Apple TV titlesYou'll be able to watch 'Being Heumann,' 'F1' and other original titles with sign language interpretation.Engadget · 10 Nov, 16:00
• Apple TV is adding American Sign Language to some films — and you don't need a browser extensionIt's a small set for nowTechRadar · 10 Nov, 16:00

In this story: Apple · Apple TV · Judy Heumann · Being Heumann · F1

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