With every iOS update for iPhones, Apple tends to add a batch of features to the “Accessibility” tools, opening new horizons for people with special needs in their use of the iPhone. However, these features can also benefit all users in changing their interaction with the phone, especially in situations where using hands is difficult, as the power of voice interaction and gestures can be harnessed to control and use the iPhone without touching the screen. We have previously discussed ways to answer calls without touching the screen of the iPhone, but in this article, we will highlight the five amazing features that will benefit you whether you are driving your car, cooking in the kitchen, or simply looking to explore new ways to interact with the iPhone without touching it.
iPhone Control Without Touch
Eye Tracking Feature
Apple introduced this “revolutionary” feature with the iOS 18 update for the iPhone, which allows you to use your eyes only to control the phone. When “Eye Tracking” is activated, the front camera will track the movement of your eyes and gaze on the phone screen, allowing you to perform various actions, including opening apps and scrolling, without the need to touch the screen. For example, when you look at an item and gaze at it for a while, you perform an action, such as simulating finger pressure. To activate the feature, go to “Settings,” then navigate to “Accessibility” and click on “Eye Tracking” and enable the feature.
Voice Control Feature
Available on iPhones starting from iOS 13, “Voice Control” allows users to navigate and interact with the phone by using voice commands for tasks like tapping, swiping, writing, and more. Unfortunately, this feature does not support the Arabic language, but if you are fluent in some English words, you can benefit from it to open apps, adjust volume, and perform touch actions almost anywhere on the screen through voice commands, including unlocking the phone as explained in a previous article. If Eye Tracking allows full interaction with the phone through eye movement, Voice Control offers the same experience through voice commands.
Vocal Shortcuts Feature
Among the “Accessibility” features added also with the iOS 18 update is “Vocal Shortcuts,” which allows users to create custom voice commands to execute specific actions on their phones without needing to use Siri first. Instead of that, you can use Vocal Shortcuts to teach the iPhone to perform an action when a specific word or sound of your choice is spoken. You can set up unique phrases that directly trigger actions like opening apps, adjusting settings on the phone, running tasks set up in the Shortcuts app, or taking a screenshot, and more. The great thing is that the iPhone responds to these commands even when it is locked.
Sound Recognition Feature
The “Sound Recognition” feature has been available on iPhones since the iOS 14 update, where it utilizes the iPhone’s microphones to continuously monitor surrounding sounds looking for specific sounds and sending a notification when detected. When integrated with the Shortcuts app, we can make the phone take a specific action upon recognizing a certain sound instead of just notifying you via notifications. This is a practical solution for emergencies where you may not have enough time to make an emergency call, so you can create a shortcut to make the phone make a phone call to an emergency service or contact upon recognizing a specific sound.
iPhone Mirroring Feature
The iPhone Mirroring feature is a great way to interact with your iPhone and its installed apps without directly touching it, through your Mac device. Apple added this feature with the macOS Sequoia update to allow wireless interaction with the iPhone and its apps and notifications through any relatively modern Macbook or iMac. The idea is simply to display the phone’s screen on the computer and allow full interaction with the iPhone using the keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, making it easier to use apps, send messages, or manage any content displayed on the phone screen without touching it. Apple also plans to enhance this feature with new functions like drag and drop to transfer files, photos, and videos between the phone and the computer through simple gestures.
