IOS Accessibility Validator

Accessibility Validator

Core Checklist (applies to most projects)

VoiceOver & Screen Reader

• Interactive elements have .accessibilityLabel() or meaningful built-in label
• Decorative / purely visual elements use .accessibilityHidden(true)
• Related elements grouped with .accessibilityElement(children: .combine) or .accessibilityElement(children: .contain)
• Complex controls provide .accessibilityHint() when label alone is insufficient
• Appropriate .accessibilityTraits (.button, .header, .image, .adjustable, .toggle, etc.)
• Stateful controls provide .accessibilityValue() (e.g., "50%", "3 of 10", "On")
• Custom gestures have equivalent .accessibilityAction() alternatives
• Labels & hints are localized (use LocalizedStringKey or NSLocalizedString)
• Use .accessibilityRotor() to provide quick navigation for repeated content types (feeds, search results, settings)

Dynamic Type & Text Scaling

• Use semantic font styles (.font(.body), .headline, .title, etc.) — avoid .system(size:)
• Support at least 200% text scaling without truncation, overlap, or horizontal scrolling
• Use @ScaledMetric or .dynamicTypeSize modifiers for padding, spacing, icon sizes
• Layout adapts gracefully to largest Dynamic Type sizes (use .minimumScaleFactor sparingly)
• Use ViewThatFits to provide alternative layouts at extreme Dynamic Type sizes (e.g., vertical instead of horizontal)

Color & Visual Indicators

• Text contrast ≥ 4.5:1 (normal), ≥ 3:1 for large/bold text (≥18 pt bold or ≥24 pt regular)
• Use semantic colors (.primary, .secondary, .accentColor, .fill) over hardcoded colors
• Color is not the only way information is conveyed (use icons, patterns, text too)
• Test with both light and dark appearance — ensure contrast holds in both
• Support Increase Contrast setting (.accessibilityContrast environment value) with higher-contrast color variants

Touch & Interaction Targets

• Minimum touch target 44×44 pt (or 48×48 recommended in dense UIs)
• .contentShape(Rectangle()) used when hit area needs to be larger than visible bounds

Focus Management

• Use @AccessibilityFocusState to programmatically move VoiceOver focus after async updates or navigation
• Focus moves logically after alerts, sheets, or content changes
• .accessibilityAddTraits(.isModal) on modal overlays to trap focus

Additional Checks (regulated, enterprise, or high-quality apps)

• Reduced Motion: honor .environment(\.accessibilityReduceMotion) — replace motion with static alternatives
• Differentiate Without Color: use shapes, patterns, underlines, icons when relying on color
• Voice Control: test common spoken phrases work (custom .accessibilityIdentifier when needed)
• Voice Control Input Labels: provide .accessibilityInputLabels() for elements where the visible label may be awkward to speak
• Switch Control / Full Keyboard Access: testable via Accessibility Inspector
• Accessibility Sort Priority & Activation Point when spatial order is non-obvious

Quick Fixes

UIKit Bridging

When working with UIKit views or UIViewRepresentable wrappers, the same principles apply but through UIKit's accessibility API:

// UIView accessibility essentials
view.accessibilityLabel = "Add to cart"
view.accessibilityTraits = .button
view.accessibilityValue = "3 items"
view.isAccessibilityElement = true

// Focus management in UIKit
UIAccessibility.post(notification: .screenChanged, argument: targetView)
UIAccessibility.post(notification: .layoutChanged, argument: targetView)

// Grouping in UIKit
containerView.isAccessibilityElement = false
containerView.accessibilityElements = [label, button]

Testing & Debug Tools

Xcode & Simulator

• Accessibility Inspector (Xcode → Open Developer Tool) — audit labels, traits, contrast, hit areas
• VoiceOver on device — real-world screen reader testing (Settings → Accessibility → VoiceOver)
• Voice Control — test spoken commands match labels (Settings → Accessibility → Voice Control)

In-Code Testing

// Dynamic Type preview in Xcode Previews
#Preview {
    MyView()
        .environment(\.sizeCategory, .accessibilityExtraExtraExtraLarge)
}

// Reduce motion preview
#Preview {
    MyView()
        .environment(\.accessibilityReduceMotion, true)
}

// Increase contrast preview
#Preview {
    MyView()
        .environment(\.accessibilityContrast, .increased)
}

Snapshot & Automated Testing

• accessibilitySnapshot testing with SnapshotTesting library
• XCTest accessibility audits: try app.performAccessibilityAudit() (Xcode 15+)

Severity Legend

🔴 Critical — Blocks screen reader users or fails basic WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA

🟡 Moderate — Reduces usability / fails enhanced criteria

🟢 Minor — Polish / future-proofs

Notes: Core checklist targets WCAG 2.1 AA + Apple Human Interface Guidelines. Additional checks help reach WCAG AAA or public-sector requirements.