November 12, 2026, 5:22 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple TV is introducing a new feature for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Selected films will soon have an interpreter who translates spoken words into sign language. The interpreter will appear on the bottom right of the screen upon request. This aims to convey not just the words themselves, but also nuances such as a whispered sentence or an angry response more effectively.
These Films Support the New Feature
It starts on Friday, November 13, 2026, with “Being Heumann.” As Apple reports, the film tells the story of U.S. activist Judy Heumann. She advocated for the rights of people with disabilities in the 1970s and organized a sit-in in San Francisco in 1977.
The new feature can also be used with the racing film “F1.” By the end of the year, “Way of the Warrior Kid” and “Greyhound” are also expected to follow.
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How to Activate Sign Language
On the iPhone, the feature can be enabled through settings. Under “Apps,” select “TV” and then activate “Sign Language.” Supported films are marked with a special symbol when browsing the app. If the film is already playing, click on the sign language symbol with the hand and then select the desired language.
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The requirement is at least version 27.2 of the operating system on the iPhone. This also applies to the iPad, the Mac, the streaming box Apple TV 4K, and the data glasses Vision Pro. On TVs and streaming devices from other manufacturers, the current version of the Apple TV app should be installed.
Downloads Require a Lot of Storage
Those who download films in advance to the iPhone or iPad should also keep an eye on the required storage space. With the option enabled, the app downloads an additional version with sign language for supported titles. According to Apple, such downloads require approximately twice as much storage space.
For German viewers, this initially plays a lesser role. Apple is initially announcing the feature only for American and British sign language. Both use their own signs and grammar.