Apple TV is introducing a built-in sign language interpretation feature that functions as an interactive playback toggle rather than a separate video stream, beginning with the streaming premiere of Being Heumann on Friday.
Unlike traditional subtitles that translate dialogue into written text, the new feature places a human sign language interpreter directly in the lower-right corner of the video frame during playback. Users can turn the capability on or off in app settings, similar to activating closed captions, without having to search for a distinct, standalone signed version of a film or show.
Once activated via the Apple TV app settings, the Sign Language choice becomes visible on compatible Apple Original programs. Users can activate this capability through the Apple TV app settings and subsequently select the Sign Language control during playback. Supported content will display a distinct Sign Language badge, helping users quickly identify when this accessibility option is accessible.
The initial release supports both American Sign Language and British Sign Language. Alongside Being Heumann, the movie F1 will feature the interpretation options at launch, with additional titles such as Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound scheduled to receive support later in the year.
This cinematic project represents a reunion between Apple Original Films and writer-director Siân Heder. She previously helmed CODA, the multiple Academy Award winner that broke barriers as the initial motion picture featuring a primarily Deaf ensemble to secure the Best Picture accolade.
Apple Builds Sign Integration
Apple developed the accessibility option with input from Deaf and native signers, partnering with Directors of Artistic Sign Language so that each interpreter’s delivery complements the tone of the specific production. The company did not employ AI-generated avatars for the interpretations.
According to Apple Newsroom, Deaf and native signers participated in both the design and testing phases, ensuring every interpretation was tailored precisely to its designated Apple Original release. Apple worked with artistic sign language directors to ensure that the interpretation matches the tone of each film.
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“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.
“Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences. Accessibility is a core value at Apple, and we’re proud to continue creating experiences that allow more people to enjoy the content they love,” Herrlinger said.
The application is also organizing supported projects into a curated editorial collection titled “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language,” and users can surface titles by typing keywords such as “with ASL” into the app’s search bar. Finding content that includes sign language is additionally streamlined through search queries utilizing straightforward terms like “with ASL.”
Activist Story Debuts
The debut film, Being Heumann, chronicles the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, played by Ruth Madeley, and depicts the historic 1977 San Francisco sit-in protest led by more than 100 activists.
In Being Heumann, Judy Heumann — scrappy, defiant, and done being treated like a burden — turns her outrage into a revolution. During 1977 in San Francisco, she collaborated with upwards of 100 disability rights demonstrators to stage a sit-in, delivering an unmistakable declaration: The system is broken — not us.
It’s incredibly meaningful to see our beautiful language authentically represented onscreen. Bringing this experience to life required a lot of care to ensure every translation captured the emotion and meaning of the story. I’m proud to have been part of Being Heumann and thrilled to see Apple TV supporting greater accessibility for Deaf audiences.
Daniel Durant, actor and sign language interpretation director
The accessibility tool is supported within the Apple TV app settings, starting on Friday.