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Software·2 min read

Apple TV Adds Sign Language Interpretation From November 13

Apple TV will offer on-screen sign language interpretation in ASL and BSL from November 13, starting with Being Heumann and F1, with more Apple Originals to follow.

An Apple TV screen showing a film with a sign language interpreter displayed alongside the picture.
Image: Digital Trends
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Apple will begin rolling out sign language interpretation on Apple TV on November 13, putting a dedicated signer on screen for Deaf viewers instead of leaving them with closed captions alone.

The feature launches with Being Heumann, a film inspired by a true story, which supports American Sign Language (ASL). The Brad Pitt film F1 will support both ASL and British Sign Language (BSL). Apple says Greyhound and Way of the Warrior Kid will add interpretation later this year, with more Apple Originals to follow.

How it works

Each interpretation was designed and tested by Deaf and native signers and is tailored to the specific film it accompanies. Supported titles carry a visible Sign Language label, and viewers can switch the interpretation on by pressing the Sign Language button during playback. The option can also be enabled in the settings of the Apple TV app.

Finding compatible titles is meant to be simple. Adding the phrase "with ASL" to a natural language search in the Apple TV app surfaces supported films, and Apple is adding a dedicated "Movies & Shows with American Sign Language" collection.

Availability

The feature is not tied to one device family. It works across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS and visionOS on version 27.2 or later, and on supported third-party devices running the latest Apple TV app.

"At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment," said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. She called the addition "an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences."

The launch slate is small, but the expert-led, per-title approach and support for more than one sign language suggest Apple intends to treat interpretation as a lasting part of its streaming service.

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Tags:apple tvaccessibilitysign languageaslbslapple originals

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