The future of accessibility in app development

Let’s start with the big picture. According to the World Health Organisation, over 1.3 billion people globally live with some form of disability - that’s 1 in 6 people. That’s not a niche market. That’s a massive, diverse user base with a wide range of needs and preferences.

And it’s not just about visual or mobility impairments. Accessibility includes everything from cognitive challenges and neurodivergence to temporary impairments like a broken arm or using your phone in direct sunlight. Simply put: if your app isn’t inclusive, it’s excluding someone.

Designing with accessibility in mind doesn’t just help users with disabilities, it benefits everyone. Clearer layouts, better contrast, simplified navigation, and voice control support all enhance usability across the board. It’s a win-win. And as digital products become more embedded into daily life, it’s no surprise that accessibility is becoming a key differentiator, not a back-burner afterthought.

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The accessibility space isn’t standing still. Here are some of the trends we’re keeping an eye on and actively designing for.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way users interact with apps, and accessibility is no exception. From real-time image description for blind users to AI-based speech recognition that adapts to individual speech patterns, smart tech is stepping in to bridge the gap between intention and interaction.

Apple’s recent updates to Voice Control, for instance, allow users to navigate apps entirely through voice gestures. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Seeing AI app uses machine learning to interpret text, people, and objects for users with visual impairments.

These innovations are setting the tone for what users will expect going forward - seamless, smart, and adaptable experiences that don't require workarounds.

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Accessibility isn't one-size-fits-all. Increasingly, we’re seeing tools that adapt interfaces based on user preference, especially to support neurodivergent users (such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism). Options like focus modes, content chunking, font adjustments, and simplified interfaces empower users to engage on their own terms.

The BBC’s GEL Accessibility Guidelines include provisions specifically for neurodiverse users, reflecting the growing recognition that cognitive accessibility must be part of the conversation.

With the rise of voice-first tech, especially in smart homes and wearable devices, we’re also seeing more apps integrate audio navigation, spoken feedback, and voice commands as primary interaction models - not just fallbacks. This opens new doors for users with low vision or mobility challenges, making hands-free interaction more practical and expected.

Apps that ignore this trend risk being left behind as the way people interact with devices continues to evolve.

Beyond user needs and tech trends, there’s another big driver pushing accessibility forward: regulation.

The EAA is one of the most significant pieces of accessibility legislation to hit the digital sector in years. It mandates that key digital products and services - including mobile apps - must meet specific accessibility requirements by June 28, 2025, across all EU member states. That includes e-commerce apps, banking platforms, transport and travel apps, and more.

Failing to comply can mean legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage. But beyond the stick, there’s a carrot too: early adopters of accessible design are gaining market share, customer trust, and brand goodwill.

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At The Distance, this isn’t a scramble to retrofit apps before the deadline. It’s business as usual. We bake accessibility into every app we create from day one, because it’s the right thing to do, and because it future-proofs our partners’ products.

From semantic code structure and screen reader support to WCAG-aligned colour contrasts and intuitive navigation, accessibility is stitched into our development process. We run audits, user tests, and design reviews that catch issues early, not as an afterthought.

But we also know accessibility isn’t a box-ticking exercise - it’s an ongoing journey. We’re always learning, evolving, and listening, because there’s always more we can do to make our apps more inclusive. And unless you live with a disability, you’ll never fully understand - so we make it our responsibility to try.

So, when the EAA deadline hits? Our partners will already be compliant, without needing a fire drill.

Accessibility isn’t about doing the bare minimum to meet a legal requirement. It’s about pushing your product to be the best version of itself. It’s about making tech that works for everyone. And the brands that understand this early? They’re the ones leading the charge.

Whether it’s using AI to create responsive interfaces or making sure your booking journey is seamless for users of all abilities, accessibility is the new benchmark for product excellence.

The future of accessibility in app development isn’t just inclusive, it’s exciting. The convergence of technology, regulation, and user expectation is raising the bar across the board. And for businesses, that means a shift in mindset: from reactive to proactive. From compliance to commitment.

Need a partner who gets it? We’ve been building inclusive apps for years, and we’re not slowing down.