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Mobile Accessibility: Complete Guide to Accessible iOS and Android Apps

Design and develop mobile apps that work for everyone. Learn touch target sizes, screen reader support, and platform-specific accessibility features.

Daniel Kowalski

Daniel Kowalski

Fullstack Developer

14 min read
Person using a smartphone with accessibility features enabled
Person using a smartphone with accessibility features enabled

Why Mobile Accessibility Matters

Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. For people with disabilities, mobile devices often serve as primary assistive technology.

Platform Accessibility Features

iOS (VoiceOver)

  • VoiceOver: Built-in screen reader
  • Switch Control: External switch navigation
  • Voice Control: Voice commands
  • Dynamic Type: System-wide text scaling
  • Reduce Motion: Minimize animations
  • Android (TalkBack)

  • TalkBack: Built-in screen reader
  • Switch Access: External switch navigation
  • Voice Access: Voice command control
  • Font Size: System-wide scaling
  • Color Correction: Color blindness support
  • Essential Mobile Accessibility Guidelines

    1. Touch Target Size

    WCAG 2.2 requires minimum 24x24 CSS pixels. Apple recommends 44x44, Android Material recommends 48x48.

    2. Support Dynamic Type

    Always use scalable units for text.

    3. Respect Motion Preferences

    Check for prefers-reduced-motion and disable animations accordingly.

    4. Accessible Gestures

    Provide alternatives to complex gestures like swipe, pinch, long press, and drag and drop.

    Testing Mobile Accessibility

    iOS Testing

    Enable VoiceOver, test with rotor navigation, verify Dynamic Type at maximum size.

    Android Testing

    Enable TalkBack, navigate with swipe gestures, test with large fonts and high contrast.

    Mobile Accessibility Checklist

  • Touch targets are at least 44x44 pixels
  • All images have alt text
  • All controls have accessibility labels
  • App supports screen reader navigation
  • App respects system font size
  • App respects reduced motion preference
  • Custom gestures have alternatives
  • Color is not the only way to convey information
  • Conclusion

    Mobile accessibility requires attention to platform-specific guidelines, proper labeling, and respect for user preferences. Test with actual screen readers.

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