Apple confirms important upgrades for iPhones and iPads in 2024

iPhone and iPad users are set to see an abundance of new features later this year to assist those with disabilities. Apple say that the updates, which will arrive across 2024, include features like Eye Tracking - allowing people to control their phone or tablet with their eyes.

With the change enabled, people with physical disabilities will be able to navigate through the elements of an app and access functions like physical buttons, swipes and other gestures with their eyes. Apple promise that the feature will work across iPad OS ad iOS apps, and will not require any additional hardware or accessories.

On top of Eye Tracking, a new addition will come in the form of Music Haptics. This will use Apple's clever Haptic Engine to send vibrations and taps through the device in time with music. It has been confirmed that millions of tracks within the Apple Music service will include the option for use.

• Read more: Amazon knocks 75% off 'exceptional' wireless earbuds dubbed 'better than Apple AirPods'

• Get all the latest money news and budgeting tips from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

Elsewhere, people will also be able to assign custom utterances to their Siri - aiding those with speech issues to launch shortcuts and complete complex tasks in easier fashion. Another announced change comes in the form of Vehicle Motion Cues - which hopes to prevent people feeling unwell when using their phone on a long journey.

The Mirror reports that motion sickness is usually caused by sensory conflict between what a person sees and feels, which can prevent a person from comfortably using iPhones and iPads while riding in a moving vehicle. Apple say: "With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content."

Other announced updates include accessibility features coming to CarPlay and the Vision Pro headset. Tim Cook, who is the CEO of Apple, said: "We believe deeply in the transformative power of innovation to enrich lives. That’s why for nearly 40 years, Apple has championed inclusive design by embedding accessibility at the core of our hardware and software.

"We’re continuously pushing the boundaries of technology, and these new features reflect our long-standing commitment to delivering the best possible experience to all of our users."