Apple TV Launches Sign Language Interpretation for Accessibility

Image: A display screen shows a still from the movie “Being Heumann,” with Apple TV 4K and the Siri Remote pictured nearby. · Source

Apple TV app introduces a new feature providing sign language interpretation for select titles, starting with the premiere of Being Heumann, enhancing accessibility for Deaf viewers.

Apple has unveiled a significant accessibility enhancement to the Apple TV app, allowing viewers to watch supported titles with accompanying sign language interpretation. This new feature debuted on November 13, 2026, coinciding with the global streaming premiere of Being Heumann, a film based on disability rights activist Judy Heumann’s life. Sign language interpretation is available in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) for certain Apple Original titles, including the movie F1, with Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound to follow later in the year.

The feature is designed in collaboration with Deaf native signers to ensure authentic and meaningful interpretation that complements the film's narrative. Each performance aims to capture the emotional depth and significance of the original content. Daniel Durant, who acted in Being Heumann and directed its sign language interpretation, emphasized the importance of representing sign language authentically on screen.

Users can enable sign language interpretation through the Apple TV app settings, where titles featuring this accessibility option are marked with a Sign Language icon. This labeling simplifies discovering content supporting sign language, supported further by a dedicated collection within the Apple TV interface that aggregates Movies & Shows with American Sign Language.

Apple positions this initiative as part of its core value to create inclusive entertainment experiences. Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, highlighted the company’s commitment to making storytelling accessible for all audiences.

Being Heumann, portraying a pivotal moment in disability rights history, premiered worldwide on Apple TV on November 13, 2026. The film signifies Apple Original Films’ ongoing collaboration with acclaimed director Siân Heder, known for the Academy Award-winning film CODA.

Available on over one billion screens globally, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Macs, smart TVs, and popular streaming devices, Apple TV’s new sign language feature is supported on versions iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, visionOS 27.2, and equivalent third-party app versions. Apple TV subscription is $14.99 per month, with introductory offers and trials available.

This development marks a progressive step toward media inclusivity, making Apple TV a leader in providing tailored accessibility options for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences worldwide.