Apple has announced a new Sign Language interpretation accessibility feature for the Apple TV app, enabling viewers to watch supported films and series with accompanying on-screen sign language interpretation. The feature will roll out globally on Friday, November 13, 2026, coinciding with the worldwide streaming premiere of the Apple Original film Being Heumann.
At launch, sign language interpretation will be available for Being Heumann in American Sign Language (ASL), alongside both American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) tracks for the Apple Original feature F1. Apple confirmed that Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will receive sign language support later this year, with additional titles to follow.
Developed and tested in collaboration with Deaf and native signers, the feature pairs each supported film with a tailored interpretation performance designed to convey the emotional nuance of the storytelling. Actor Daniel Durant, who features in Being Heumann, directed the film’s sign language interpretation.
“At Apple, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy great stories and entertainment,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, Apple. “Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.”
To streamline discovery, supported titles on the Apple TV app will display a Sign Language icon. Viewers can enable the feature through app settings or directly via on-screen playback controls, search using terms such as “with ASL,” and explore a dedicated “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” collection inside the app.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Siân Heder (CODA) and starring Ruth Madeley, Being Heumann chronicles disability rights activist Judy Heumann and the landmark 1977 San Francisco sit-in led by over 100 protesters advocating for disability civil rights.
