Apple TV will add a sign language option to some Apple Original films from Friday 13 November, starting with Being Heumann.
Deaf viewers don’t need a separate signed version of a film. Instead, they can switch an interpreter on or off inside the app they already use.
Being Heumann, directed by Siân Heder and starring Ruth Madeley, tells the story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann. F1 also gets interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). Later this year, Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound will follow, with more Apple Originals to come. Apple hasn’t said which sign languages Being Heumann has, or given dates beyond “later this year”.
The controls are hidden by default, but turn on Sign Language in the Settings app under TV and a Sign Language button appears in the player on eligible titles. Pick ASL or BSL. According to 9to5Mac, an interpreter then appears in the corner of the frame, synced to the film. Supported titles carry a Sign Language icon, and searching “with ASL” or “with BSL” finds them.
Apple says Deaf and native signers designed and tested each performance to fit the film it interprets.
Bringing sign language interpretation to Apple TV is an exciting step forward in making the viewing experience more accessible and inclusive for Deaf audiences.
Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives
The feature requires iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or visionOS 27.2 or later, or a supported third-party device running the latest app. The Apple TV 4K costs AED 1,199 in the UAE.
Rivals handle it differently. Prime Video has signed versions of more than 20 titles, but Amazon’s help page says the interpretations are part of the title and “can’t be turned off”. Netflix’s ASL support, as What’s on Netflix reports it, runs through SignUp Media, a third-party Chrome extension limited to the web. SignUp also lists Disney+ among its services, and Disney+ has just relaunched its app in the UAE. The SignUp extension is still third-party, though, not an official Disney+ feature.
Apple’s new “Movies & Shows with American Sign Language” collection puts signed titles in one place, as Apple says interpretation becomes more widely available across streaming services.
FAQ
How do I turn on sign language in Apple TV?
Enable Sign Language in Settings under TV, then press the Sign Language button while watching a supported film.
Which films have it?
Being Heumann and F1 from 13 November, with Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound later this year.
Which devices support it?
Apple devices on version 27.2 or later, plus supported third-party devices running the latest Apple TV app.
