Accessibility Update: Apple TV Adds Native Sign Language Interpretation
The feature launches with the premiere of Being Heumann on November 13, offering ASL and BSL options for select original titles.
By Arjun Weber ·
Apple introduced a sign language interpretation feature for the Apple TV app on November 10, 2026.
The tool allows viewers to watch supported content with synchronized sign language interpretation. It becomes available on November 13, the same day the film Being Heumann premieres globally on the platform.
Being Heumann tells the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. The film is the first title to support the feature. American Sign Language interpretation is also available for the movie F1. Apple plans to add Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound to the list of supported titles later this year. Additional Apple Originals will follow.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple's senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, stated that the company believes everyone should enjoy great stories. She described the addition of sign language as a step forward for Deaf audiences. Herrlinger noted that accessibility is a core value for the company.
The interpretation performances were designed and tested by Deaf and native signers. Each performance is crafted to fit the specific film it interprets. Daniel Durant directed the sign language interpretation for Being Heumann. He also appears in the film. Durant said the work required care to capture the emotion and meaning of the story.
Titles with this feature will display a specific Sign Language icon. Viewers can enable the option in the Apple TV app settings. A button appears on the screen during playback to toggle the interpretation. Users can also search for titles using phrases like "with ASL" to find compatible content.
Apple created a dedicated collection called "Movies & Shows with American Sign Language" in the app. This section allows users to browse titles featuring sign language in one location. The feature is available on iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, tvOS 27.2, and visionOS 27.2 or later. It also works on supported third-party devices running the latest app software.
Being Heumann marks the second collaboration between Apple Original Films and writer-director Siân Heder. Heder previously directed CODA, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Being Heumann is set in San Francisco in 1977. It depicts Judy Heumann and over 100 protesters organizing a sit-in. The film is described as a revolution against a broken system.
Apple TV is available in 170 countries and regions. The service costs $14.99 per month. New subscribers receive a seven-day free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, or Mac can receive three months of the service for free. Apple Original content has received 919 wins and 3,829 award nominations to date.
