App accessibility is the new must in mobile development

April 18, 2025

As the mobile app industry grows, ensuring accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential, and in key markets it is now a legal requirement. Accessible apps not only demonstrate social responsibility but also reach a broader audience, increasing downloads and profitability. But what does app accessibility mean, and why does it matter?

What is mobile accessibility?

According to the W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), mobile accessibility involves designing apps that are usable by people with disabilities. It extends beyond smartphones to include smart TVs, wearables, car dashboards and more. Accessibility ensures everyone, regardless of their abilities, can interact with your app.

Small changes can bring wide benefits. Captions, for example, help deaf and hard-of-hearing users, but also anyone watching a video with the sound off. And as populations age, the demand for accessible apps will rise: the World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or one in six, experience significant disability, and that this number is growing as people live longer.

Why accessibility matters

In its 2010 survey, the US Census Bureau counted about 57 million people with a disability in the US alone, including nearly 20 million with difficulty lifting, grasping or other upper-body tasks, about 8 million with difficulty seeing and over 7.5 million with difficulty hearing. Accessibility makes it possible for these people to use apps effectively.

Accessibility is also the law in a growing number of places. In the EU, the European Accessibility Act has applied since 28 June 2025 to many consumer products and services, such as e-commerce, banking, e-books and passenger transport, including the websites and mobile apps used to deliver them. In the US, a 2024 rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires state and local governments’ web content and mobile apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA, with deadlines in April 2027 and April 2028 depending on the size of the government. For private businesses in the US, the ADA prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, so treating your app as one is the safest approach.

Learn more: Native vs. hybrid: what to know before building a mobile app.

Steps to achieve app accessibility

To make your app accessible, you can follow guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), whose latest version, WCAG 2.2, was published in October 2023. Here are some practical steps:

1. Provide captions and synchronisation

Ensure captions for audio and video are properly synced. This helps users follow along without feeling rushed.

2. Enable text-to-speech compatibility

Incorporate support for screen readers and text-to-speech technology. This is vital for visually impaired users who rely on auditory feedback to navigate apps.

3. Optimise for both portrait and landscape views

Maintain consistent information regardless of screen orientation. Users should not lose content when switching between portrait and landscape modes.

4. Design for colour-blind users

Use high-contrast colours and avoid combinations that are difficult for colour-blind users to distinguish. Clear separation between text and background is crucial.

5. Avoid flashing lights

Flashing elements can trigger seizures in some users. If necessary, provide settings to disable such features.

6. Allow adjustable timing

Avoid timeouts that disrupt users with cognitive or visual processing challenges. Features like dictation and adjustable reading times can help.

7. Ensure easy navigation

Buttons and links should be clearly identifiable, using bold text, underlines, or visual separation beyond colour.

8. Include adjustable settings

Offer in-app controls for text size, brightness, and colour to accommodate individual preferences.

9. Prepare for future technologies

Design your app to integrate with current and emerging assistive technologies, ensuring long-term compatibility.

The bigger picture

Making apps accessible benefits everyone—not just users with disabilities. It enhances usability, expands your audience, and future-proofs your app in an increasingly inclusive market. Check accessibility before every release as part of your mobile app testing, not only once at launch.

By adopting these best practices, you’ll create an app that meets user needs today while setting the stage for success tomorrow.