# Assistive-Centric Technology Patents Apple is Pioneering User Interface's for Motor-Impaired Users By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-02-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technology-patent References: [patentlyapple](https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2019/12/apple-wins-patent-for-assistive-centric-technology-that-allows-motor-impaired-users-to-navigate-a-devices-ui.html) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9WHGoAPk4&feature=emb_logo) In late 2019, [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-features) won an assistive-centric technology patent, dubbed 'Interface Scanning for Disabled Users.' This can be applied to many of the company's core devices, including the [MacBook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-universal-control), the iPad, and the [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-features). The technology patent is concerned with updating phones, laptops, and tablets to be more inclusive for use and the focus is placed on the needs of people with physical disabilities. Apple wants to diversify the possible inputs for the selection of an element on a computing device. Examples here include the more conventional button press, mouse click or tap, as well as more accessibility-enabling actions such as voice command or movement of part of the user's body. The power of the patent is described in a video of Ian MacKay who is using the iPhone's "assistive technology, [which is] called 'Switch Control.'" Image Credit: YouTube ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Assistive-centric Technology:** Apple's assistive-centric technology patent allows for more inclusive user interfaces by diversifying input options for computing devices. - **Inclusive User Interfaces:** Apple's patent focuses on updating phones, laptops, and tablets to be more inclusive for users with physical disabilities. - **Accessibility-enabling Actions:** The patent explores the incorporation of accessibility-enabling actions such as voice command or body movement for improved user interaction. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology:** The technology industry can utilize the patent to develop more accessible and inclusive devices for users with disabilities. - **Consumer Electronics:** Apple's patent opens up opportunities for the consumer electronics industry to create more inclusive interfaces in laptops, smartphones, and tablets. - **Assistive Technology:** The assistive technology industry can leverage Apple's patent to enhance and expand their offerings in assistive-centric devices and interfaces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eye-Tracking Technology Functions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-features.md) - [Enhanced Accessible Phone Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-nutrition-labels.md) - [Tech Accessibility Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-features.md) - [Visually Inclusive Smartphone Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bold-assistive-access.md) - [Consolidated Eye-Tracking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyetracking-platform.md) - [Adaptive Computer Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adaptive-computer-accessories.md) - [Inclusive Smartphone Control Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-key-device.md) - [College-Focused Accessibility Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/im-not-remarkable.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Technology Strategies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spectrum-of-human-needs.md)