by David Redmond

I think it’s fair to call me a VoiceOver fan. On iPhone and iPad at least, I think VoiceOver is a really well-built screen reader that easily rivals Jaws for those using PCs. However, IOS17.4 has me asking a question. Is it time for a third-party screen reader on iPhone and iPad?

Let’s talk about Sideloading

From iOS 17.4, Apple will be allowing iPhone users to install apps from third-party app stores. This follows pressure from the EU, who don’t really like Apple’s closed app ecosystem.

This means that in theory, you’ll be able to install apps that aren’t approved by Apple. Apps like the video game Fortnite will likely be the first to benefit, but in theory, who knows what people might create.

There will almost certainly be more choices on iPhone after this change, but the accessibility and security of these third-party stores are unclear right now. It is interesting to speculate however on the possibility of us getting a third-party screen reader out of all of this.

Will a third-party screen reader happen?

My guess is those apps that can be downloaded following this change will be relatively self-contained and won’t be able to do much outside of the app itself. For a screen reader to work it needs near full access to the entire system, and I just can’t see Apple granting third-party developers that ability.

However, it is interesting to think of a third-party screen reader concept. What would it do that VoiceOver can’t?

VoiceOver already supports things like third-party voice plugins, so honestly, I can’t think of what a third-party screen reader could bring to the table. Maybe a scripting tool, that would enable the creation of scripts that could enhance the functionality of apps? That would be cool, but does it need a whole new screen reader? I’d argue not.

Sideloading on iOS might bring some accessibility enhancements, but what could it do for those with sight loss?

How might we benefit from side loading?

Some readers of this post will likely have heard of Blindfold Games. Several years ago Blindfold Games had a dispute with Apple as Apple felt they were releasing the same app over and over again, effectively spamming the App Store. In reality, they were all different but used a similar design on the surface. Apple’s app review team didn’t see the difference as they weren’t audio gamers.

In the end, after significant backlash, Apple and Blindfold Games developer Marty Schultz found a compromise, where Apple effectively reversed their decision. All was calm in the camp one more.

But what if that didn’t happen?

If Apple didn’t listen, back in the iOS 11 days that could have marked the end for BlindFold games. Now in iOS 17.4, users might be able to get the App from a different store. It’s an interesting thought.

Maybe we’ll see special Accessibility-focused App Stores, or maybe there’ll be a store filled with just audio games.

In many respects the future is unknown. We’re unlikely to see anything close to Android launchers and such, but could we see cool access-themed app stores? It’s definitely possible.

Conclusion

I personally don’t think we’ll see a third-party screen reader on iOS anytime soon, despite Apple more open approach. It’s very likely we’ll see some accessibility-focused apps hit third-party stores, but I’d expect that will be it initially.

I haven’t been convinced I need another App Store just yet, but choice is a good thing. I just hope this new open ecosystem doesn’t hit security too hard, but time will tell.

Let us know if you plan on using a third-party App Store, or tell us what you’d like in a third-party screen reader. Send us a WhatsApp Voice note to 086 199 0011, and we might discuss your views in a future episode of Talking Technology.