The iPhone 16 is packed with features that go beyond the everyday experience, especially in its Accessibility Shortcuts section. These powerful tools are often underutilized, yet they offer impressive ways to increase productivity, comfort, and ease of use whether or not you have a disability.
In this post, we’ll explore the top iPhone 16 Accessibility Shortcuts that can help you interact with your device faster and smarter.
Why Accessibility Shortcuts Matter
Originally designed for users with specific impairments, Apple’s accessibility tools now empower all users to optimize device interactions. These features enable custom workflows, easier navigation, and time-saving automations making your iPhone 16 more efficient and intuitive.
Must-Try iPhone 16 Accessibility Shortcuts
1. Magnifier
Turn your iPhone into a digital magnifying glass.
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Go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier -
Triple-click the Side Button to instantly zoom in on menus, labels, or small print
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Especially useful in low light or for quick close-up tasks
2. Custom Actions
Assign personalized functions to gestures like single tap, double tap, or long press.
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Go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch > Custom Actions -
Example uses: quick launch for Messages, flashlight, app switcher
3. Sound Recognition
Let your iPhone listen for key sounds like:
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Doorbells, alarms, sirens, baby cries
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Go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Sound Recognition -
Receive push alerts when sounds are detected—even with AirPods in or Do Not Disturb enabled
Also see how to fix silent mode bugs
4. Back Tap
Double or triple tap the back of your phone to trigger actions like:
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Taking a screenshot
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Opening the camera
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Launching apps or Shortcuts
Set it up: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap
This is one of the most powerful hidden shortcuts for multitaskers.
5. VoiceOver
A full-screen screen reader that offers:
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Spoken feedback
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Gesture navigation
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Customizable verbosity and rotor controls
Perfect for low-vision users, but also great for reviewing long-form content hands-free.
Enable it at: Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver
6. Siri Shortcuts
Create voice-triggered automations for tasks like:
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Sending a message to your spouse
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Opening your to-do list
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Starting your morning routine
To get started:Settings > Accessibility > Siri > Siri Shortcuts
Also explore: Master Offline Siri
Bonus: Power-Up With Related Features
What This Means for You
Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility or just want to customize your phone for convenience, iPhone 16 Accessibility Shortcuts offer powerful enhancements for:
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Saving time
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Improving productivity
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Creating voice-activated workflows
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Navigating apps hands-free
With a little setup, you’ll streamline tasks you perform daily and possibly discover use cases you didn’t think possible.
Conclusion: Empower Your iPhone 16 Experience
Apple’s accessibility features are more than just accommodations they’re productivity accelerators. From automating tasks with Siri Shortcuts to using Sound Recognition as a digital assistant, the iPhone 16 empowers all users to work and live smarter.
Take 10 minutes today to explore these shortcuts. You’ll wonder how you ever used your iPhone without them.
