Apple's iOS updates never fail to make waves, but iOS 16 brings something beautifully groundbreaking to the table, especially for businesses. Packed with features designed to enhance usability, one tool stands out as both practical and innovative—Live Text.

If you’re a business owner trying to stay ahead of the curve or looking to incorporate more user-friendly tech solutions into your daily workflow, this isn’t just another Apple update to overlook. Live Text is more than a fun new feature—it’s a productivity and accessibility game-changer that’s worth your attention. 

From improving how you manage text-heavy tasks to making data in images instantly interactive, Live Text has the potential to enhance your business processes in ways you didn’t know were possible. By the time you finish this blog, you’ll be ready to tap into Live Text’s full potential (and maybe rethink how accessibility tools can help your business).

What is Live Text, and How Does It Work?

Imagine pointing your phone’s camera at a document, menu, or handwritten note—and being able to copy, paste, or interact with that text in real time. That is Live Text in action. It’s an iOS feature that uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to detect text in images or your camera viewfinder, making it instantly usable.

Key Functions of Live Text:

1. Real-Time Text Interaction: Extract and interact with text directly from photos or live camera feeds.
2. Quick Actions: Call phone numbers, open emails, or get directions from addresses detected in text.
3. Broad Language Support: Supports multiple languages, making it ideal for companies with global clients and teams.

Whether you’re snapping a picture of a conference agenda or recovering details from an old business card, Live Text transforms passive visual data into actionable insights.

But it’s not just about convenience—Live Text reflects Apple’s push towards inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring its tools make life (and work) easier for people of all abilities and professions.

Why Business Owners Should Prioritize Accessibility Features

Accessibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re running a small coffee shop or managing a remote-first startup, features like Live Text don’t merely cater to inclusivity; they redefine productivity. Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore this trend:

• Improved Employee Productivity: Accessible technology tools empower employees across abilities, allowing them to work faster and smarter. For example, a speech-to-text tool or Live Text eliminates manual data entry for everyone.
• Better Customer Service: Businesses that prioritize accessibility win customer loyalty. A Live Text-enabled device on the sales floor allows team members to efficiently provide product details from packaging or manuals written in different languages.
• Regulatory Compliance: Countries worldwide are tightening laws to enforce accessibility in both physical and digital spaces. Staying ahead with tech like Live Text helps keep your business compliant.
• Unlock Untapped Talent: Accessibility features level the playing field for talent with varying abilities. Tools like Live Text enable employees with disabilities to thrive in any work environment.

Ultimately, accessibility features aren’t just ethical—they’re profitable.

How Live Text Can Transform Your Business 

Still skeptical about how a single iOS feature can move the needle for your business? Consider these five use cases where Live Text shines:

1. Enhancing Productivity 

Replace tedious manual tasks with quick, automated workflows. CEOs can capture handwritten meeting notes with their iPhone camera and edit or share them instantly using Live Text. It acts like a personal assistant on your device. 

2. Content Creation for Marketing 

If your team frequently deals with visuals (think Instagram posts, advertisements, or product descriptions), Live Text saves hours. Snap an image with important text, extract the information, and use it across social channels or campaigns seamlessly. 

3. Boosting Customer Support 

Customer-facing teams can instantly lift product details, warranty information, or customer queries from printed material. No delays, no fumbling. Live Text keeps conversations efficient and professional. 

4. Data Management Made Simple 

Use Live Text to extract bulk information from receipts, contracts, or invoices. Save this data digitally to improve organization and cut down on physical clutter. 

5. Localization and Language Flexibility 

Serving non-English-speaking markets? Live Text lets you lift foreign text for translations or edit relevant details into forms without needing a third-party app. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Live Text 

Are you eager to get started with Live Text? Follow these simple steps to master the tool:

Step 1: Ensure You’re Updated 

First, update your device to iOS 16. (Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update.)

Step 2: Open the Camera App 

Point your iPhone or iPad camera at any text in your surroundings—be it on paper, packaging, or signage.

Step 3: Activate Live Text 

When your camera detects text, a small icon appears in the bottom-right corner. Tap it.

Step 4: Interact with the Text 

You can now select, copy, or take actions like “Call this Number,” “Search this Address,” or “Translate Text.”

Step 5: Get Context from Photos Gallery 

Did you already capture some images containing text? Open the photo, click the Live Text icon, and interact with the text just as you would in real time.

And that’s it—Live Text gets integrated into your tasks as conveniently as coffee into your morning routine.

The Bigger Picture for Accessibility 

Live Text is just one step in AI-powered accessibility tools’ broader evolution. Apple’s continued advancements (like Voice Control and AssistiveTouch) signal a future where tech adapts more seamlessly to human needs. 

This innovation also aligns with growing trends in corporate responsibility. Businesses are no longer judged solely on profitability but on how inclusive, ethical, and innovative they are. Investing in and utilizing accessibility features like Live Text demonstrates your business’s commitment to inclusivity—and positions you as a forward-thinking leader in your industry.

Do More with Accessibility and Innovation 

If the thought of incorporating Live Text into your workflow has lit a spark, imagine what else your business could achieve with the right technological support. That’s where [POINT] comes in. 

At POINT, we specialize in integrating tools like Live Text into business processes, making accessibility an asset, not an afterthought. Book a consultation with us today and discover how Apple’s newest features can give your business an edge.

Contact POINT now to get the most out of your Apple devices.