Apple TV adds sign language interpretation for supported titles
Apple is adding sign language interpretation to supported titles in the Apple TV app, giving viewers the option to watch films with accompanying American Sign Language or British Sign Language performances. The feature launches Friday, November 13, alongside the global streaming premiere of Being Heumann.
- Apple TV adds sign language interpretation on November 13.
- Being Heumann launches with the feature globally.
- F1 will offer ASL and BSL interpretation.
- Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will follow later this year.
- Titles will be marked with a Sign Language icon and searchable with phrases such as “with ASL.”
Sign language interpretation arrives November 13
The new accessibility feature will initially support Being Heumann, a film based on the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. Interpretation in American Sign Language, or ASL, and British Sign Language, or BSL, will also be available for F1.
Apple says Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will follow later this year, with more Apple Original titles to come. When the feature is enabled in Apple TV app settings, a Sign Language option will appear on supported Apple Original titles.
“At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives. She described the feature as a step toward making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.
Designed with Deaf and native signers
Apple says the sign language experience was designed and tested by Deaf and native signers. Each performance is crafted to fit and complement the Apple Original film it interprets, rather than serving as a separate, generic translation.
Daniel Durant, who appears in Being Heumann and directed the film’s sign language interpretation, said the work required care to preserve the emotion and meaning of the story. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see our beautiful language authentically represented onscreen,” Durant said.
Being Heumann is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Siân Heder and stars Ruth Madeley. It follows Judy Heumann as she and more than 100 disability rights protesters organize a sit-in in San Francisco in 1977.
How viewers can find supported titles
Titles with sign language interpretation will carry a Sign Language icon. Viewers can turn on the feature in Apple TV app settings and then press the Sign Language button while watching.
Apple is also adding search support for titles with sign language, including simple phrases such as “with ASL.” A dedicated “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” collection will provide another way to browse available titles as sign language interpretation becomes more widely available across streaming services.
The feature gives Deaf viewers a clearer way to identify and access supported content in the Apple TV app. Apple TV is available in 170 countries and regions across more than 1 billion screens, including Apple devices, supported smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and the web.
