Apple is introducing American and British Sign Language overlays on select streaming movies, starting with Being Heumann.
Apple is adding sign language interpretation to selected original films on the Apple TV app, introducing support for American Sign Language and British Sign Language directly within its video player, CNET reported.
The feature begins with the release of the Apple original movie Being Heumann. The film focuses on the life of disability rights activist Judy Heumann, played by Ruth Madeley, and her leadership during the 1977 protests that expanded federal civil rights protections for Americans with disabilities, CNET reported. TechRadar identified the activist as Nancy Heumann. In addition, Engadget reported that the film premieres on November 13, while CNET reported its debut date as Friday.
How the playback setting works
To view the interpretations, users must update their Apple hardware to software version 27.2 across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or visionOS, Engadget reported. Supported third-party devices running the newest Apple TV application software will also carry the tool.
Viewers can activate the function in the Apple TV app settings by choosing either American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). Once the setting is enabled, supported titles display an icon showing a hand beside accessibility markers for closed captions and audio descriptions.
During video playback, viewers can open the sign language menu above the progress bar to switch languages or turn the feature off. The interpreter appears as an on-screen layer positioned in the bottom-right corner of the film rather than inside a separate picture-in-picture window, TechRadar reported.
Why sign language differs from captions
While closed captions offer written text for spoken lines, many deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers prefer sign language because visual signing conveys facial expressions and emotion that text can miss. ASL serves as the primary language for many people in the deaf community, CNET reported.
Translating spoken dialogue into sign language requires human professionals who can reflect context and tone. Apple did not use artificial intelligence or computer animations to produce the interpretations, TechRadar reported. Instead, the company partnered with deaf consultants and native signers, using Directors of Artistic Sign Language, also known as Dazzles, to guide the performers.
Actor Daniel Durant, who appears in Being Heumann and directed the film’s sign language interpretation, said the project required close attention to make sure every translation captured the meaning of the story.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see our beautiful language authentically represented onscreen,” Durant said in a statement.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of global accessibility policy and initiatives, said in a press release: “Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.”
How other streaming services offer access
Apple is not the first streaming platform to provide sign language, but companies take differing technical routes to deliver it.
Netflix offers sign language interpretation on dozens of family titles through an agreement with SignUp Media, which uses a Google Chrome browser extension to overlay an interpreter, CNET reported. That extension can also be used on select content on Disney Plus and Peacock.
Other entertainment services, including Amazon’s Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney, have provided sign language by producing separate, distinct video versions with built-in ASL overlays, TechRadar and CNET reported. Apple’s design instead incorporates the interpreter directly into the original title as an optional playback layer, meaning viewers don’t need a browser extension or a secondary video listing.
What films are scheduled next
Apple plans to expand the sign language feature to several additional original titles later this year.
The racing film F1 The Movie, also listed by Engadget as F1, will add the interpretation options, followed by the movie Greyhound. Apple will also bring the feature to Way of the Warrior Kid, which CNET reported premieres on Nov. 25.
To help users locate supported titles, the Apple TV app is adding a dedicated hub called Movies & Shows with American Sign Language, CNET and Engadget reported. Viewers can also search for compatible content using phrases like “with ASL” or “with BSL.” The collection will also feature movies where sign language is part of the storyline, including the 2021 Oscar-winning film CODA. TechRadar noted that CODA does not yet have an integrated sign language interpreter option.
