Accessibility Compliance Act for Mobile Apps

The Accessibility Compliance Act June 28, 2025, for mobile apps is designed to guarantee that digital platforms are inclusive and usable for individuals with disabilities. This act is rooted in principles of equality and human rights, ensuring that technology does not create barriers but instead opens opportunities for everyone. Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of digital accessibility, which is why they are enforcing stricter guidelines on businesses and developers. For mobile apps, this means that features must be adapted for people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. By doing so, developers not only comply with regulations but also create products that better serve their diverse audience.

Our Expertise in Mobile Apps Accessibility

• Proven track record in delivering inclusive mobile applications across iOS and Android.

• Deep knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA and accessibility compliance standards.

• Experience implementing VoiceOver, TalkBack, Dynamic Type, and screen reader support.

• Specialisation in colour contrast optimisation, scalable typography, and responsive layouts.

• Expertise in gesture alternatives, captions, audio descriptions, and accessible navigation flows.

At Davydov Consulting, we believe accessibility is not an optional feature—it is an essential foundation of modern mobile development. Our team ensures that every application we build is usable by individuals with diverse abilities, whether they rely on screen readers, voice commands, or custom input devices. We incorporate accessibility testing throughout the development lifecycle, using both automated tools and real-user validation to identify and resolve potential barriers.

Our developers and UX designers work hand in hand to create apps that are not only visually appealing but also intuitively navigable by users with motor, visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments. This includes ensuring consistent focus states, clear labelling of elements, logical navigation hierarchy, and keyboard/gesture alternatives. We also implement adaptive design features, allowing users to customise text sizes, contrast levels, and interaction methods according to their needs.

Why Mobile Apps Accessibility Is a New Mandatory Law

1. Equal Access for Everyone

   Accessibility allows people with disabilities—such as visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive impairments—to use apps effectively. Features like screen reader support, voice commands, captions, and alternative navigation methods make it possible for everyone to participate in digital interactions. Without these, a significant portion of users is excluded from essential services.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

   In many regions, accessibility is legally mandated. Standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Equality Act 2010 (UK), and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) apply to mobile applications. Failure to comply can lead to legal action, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

3. Enhanced User Experience

   Accessible design benefits all users, not only those with disabilities. Features like larger touch targets, clear contrasts, and voice navigation improve usability in situations where people face temporary or situational limitations (e.g., using a phone in bright sunlight, or when hands are occupied). This leads to a smoother and more enjoyable user experience overall.

4. Market Reach and Business Value

   Roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide live with some form of disability. By making apps accessible, businesses can tap into a wider customer base. Accessibility also strengthens brand image, demonstrating social responsibility and commitment to inclusivity, which can improve customer trust and loyalty.

5. Future-Proofing and Innovation

   Accessibility fosters innovation. Many technologies that are now mainstream—such as voice assistants, predictive text, and speech-to-text—were originally developed for accessibility purposes. Designing with accessibility in mind helps ensure apps are adaptable to new technologies and user needs.

Fines under the Accessibility Compliance Act for Mobile Apps

Fines for violating accessibility standards can be substantial and vary widely by jurisdiction—serving not just as punishment, but as powerful incentives for prompt compliance. In the United States, a first violation may result in fines of up to US $75,000, with repeat offenses potentially reaching US $150,000 per violation. In the European Union, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) establishes a framework where one-time administrative fines typically range from €5,000 to €20,000 per violation, while daily fines of up to €1,000 can accrue for unresolved issues. Certain member states impose even steeper penalties: for example, France may levy administrative fines up to €7,500, rising to €15,000 for repeat offenses; Germany caps fines at around €100,000 for serious accessibility breaches; Spain can impose fines ranging from €301 to €1,000,000, depending on severity; and Italy may enforce fines between €5,000 and €40,000, or even up to 5 % of annual turnover in some cases. In the Baltic region, Lithuania’s law prescribes fines from €2,500 to €15,000 for businesses failing to meet accessibility requirements.

Key Principles of Mobile Apps Accessibility Design

1. Perceivable Content

• Provide text alternatives (alt text) for images, icons, and non-text content.

• Ensure high colour contrast between text and backgrounds for readability.

• Support screen readers by using semantic labels for UI elements.

• Provide captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions for multimedia content.

2. Operable Interfaces

• All functionality should be accessible via touch, keyboard, or assistive devices.

• Ensure tap targets (buttons, links) are large enough and spaced adequately.

• Provide clear navigation patterns (consistent menus, breadcrumbs, back buttons).

• Avoid gestures that require fine motor skills without offering alternatives.

3. Understandable Design

• Use clear and simple language in instructions and labels.

• Provide predictable interactions (consistent icons, layouts, and behaviours).

• Offer error prevention and recovery: confirm destructive actions and show helpful error messages.

• Support multi-language accessibility, including right-to-left languages.

4. Robust & Compatible

• Design for compatibility with assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers, voice control).

• Follow platform-specific accessibility APIs (Android Accessibility, iOS VoiceOver).

• Ensure apps remain functional across different devices, orientations, and screen sizes.

5. Inclusive Interaction

• Allow customisation: font size, colour themes, dark mode, reduced motion.

• Provide voice input and speech feedback where possible.

• Ensure time-sensitive actions (like OTP inputs) have options for extensions.

• Support offline access for critical features.

How Davydov Consulting Implements Mobile Apps Accessibility

Commitment to Accessibility

• Accessibility is embedded from the planning stage, not added later.

• We align with WCAG 2.1 AA, Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, and Google’s Material Accessibility standards.

• Our developers and designers undergo accessibility training and testing practices.

Inclusive Design Practices

• Colour & Contrast: We use high-contrast colour schemes and test them with accessibility tools to support users with visual impairments.

• Typography: Fonts are resizable, legible, and follow dynamic text scaling to respect device accessibility settings.

• Touch Targets: Buttons and interactive elements are designed with sufficient size and spacing for motor accessibility.

• Consistent Navigation: Simple, logical flows to reduce cognitive load.

Technical Implementation

• Screen Reader Support: All apps are fully compatible with VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android). Labels, hints, and descriptions are added to all UI elements.

• Keyboard Navigation: For users who connect external keyboards or assistive devices, navigation order is logical and intuitive.

• Alt Text & Semantic Structure: Images, icons, and custom UI components include descriptive alt text and semantic tags.

• Gestures & Alternatives: Any gesture-based interaction (swipe, pinch, drag) has an alternative method, such as buttons.

Accessibility Testing

• Automated Testing: Tools such as Google Accessibility Scanner and Xcode Accessibility Inspector are used during QA.

• Manual Testing: Real-world testing with screen readers, large font modes, and high-contrast settings.

• User Feedback: Where possible, apps are tested with people who rely on assistive technologies to validate usability.

Continuous Improvement

• Accessibility is not a one-off task. We build monitoring into ongoing support, ensuring updates don’t break accessibility.

• We maintain compliance documentation to demonstrate commitment during tenders and audits.

• Regular audits help align with evolving accessibility standards.

Mobile App Accessibility Features

1. Screen Reader Support

• Text-to-speech functionality (e.g., VoiceOver on iOS, TalkBack on Android).

• Provides auditory descriptions of on-screen elements.

• Requires proper use of labels, hints, and semantic roles in app code.

2. Text Resizing & Dynamic Font Scaling

• Allows users to increase or decrease text size according to their needs.

• Ensures layouts are responsive to avoid truncation or overlap.

• Uses system settings so changes apply consistently across the app.

3. Colour Contrast & High Contrast Modes

• High-contrast colour schemes improve readability for users with low vision.

• Avoids reliance on colour alone to convey meaning.

• Supports system-wide accessibility settings for dark mode or contrast adjustments.

4. Alternative Input Methods

• Voice commands and dictation for hands-free interaction.

• Compatibility with external keyboards, switches, or assistive devices.

• Gesture-based navigation alternatives for users with limited mobility.

5. Captions & Transcripts

• Closed captions for videos, live calls, and multimedia content.

• Transcripts for audio recordings and podcasts.

• Ensures content is accessible for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

6. Haptic Feedback & Vibration Alerts

• Non-visual cues (vibration, haptics) to indicate actions or errors.

• Useful for users with hearing impairments.

• Can be paired with visual or auditory alerts for multimodal feedback.

7. Customisable UI & Personalisation

• Adjustable button sizes, spacing, and layouts.

• Ability to hide or simplify complex UI elements.

• Options for “simple mode” or “easy navigation” for cognitive accessibility.

8. VoiceOver / Screen Magnification

• Zoom and magnifier tools for enlarging on-screen elements.

• Voice feedback for navigation.

• Compatibility with accessibility APIs ensures consistency across devices.

9. Accessible Forms & Error Handling

• Clear instructions and error messages.

• Input fields with proper labels, focus order, and validation hints.

• Prevents confusion for users relying on assistive technologies.

10. Consistency with Platform Accessibility Guidelines

• Following WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

• Adhering to Apple’s iOS Accessibility Guidelines and Google’s Android Accessibility Guidelines.

• Ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards (e.g., ADA, EN 301 549).

Get Started Today with Davydov Consulting

Creating an accessible mobile app experience isn't just the right thing to do—it's a smart investment in your brand’s future. Whether you need a full app accessibility audit, remediation, or UX design consultation, Davydov Consulting is here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of experts combines technical knowledge, mobile design thinking, and compliance awareness to deliver accessible, user-friendly mobile apps that meet global accessibility standards.

FAQ

What is the Accessibility Compliance Act for mobile apps?

The Accessibility Compliance Act ensures that mobile applications are usable by individuals with disabilities. It promotes equality and prevents digital barriers, requiring developers to implement features for visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive accessibility. Compliance with this act is increasingly enforced worldwide to ensure inclusive digital experiences.

Why is mobile app accessibility important?

Mobile app accessibility ensures equal access for all users, improves user experience, and expands market reach. It also helps companies comply with legal requirements like the ADA, Equality Act 2010, and WCAG 2.1. Accessibility fosters innovation and future-proofs apps by making them adaptable to new technologies.

What accessibility standards do Davydov Consulting follow?

We follow WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines, Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, and Google’s Material Accessibility standards. This ensures apps are compliant with global regulations and usable by individuals with diverse abilities.

What features make a mobile app accessible?

Key accessibility features include:

• Screen reader support (VoiceOver, TalkBack)

• Text resizing and dynamic font scaling

• High-contrast colour modes

• Alternative input methods (voice, gestures, keyboards)

• Captions and transcripts for multimedia

• Haptic feedback and vibration alerts

• Customisable UI and simple navigation

• Magnification tools and VoiceOver support

• Accessible forms and error handling

• Compliance with platform accessibility guidelines

How does Davydov Consulting implement accessibility in apps?

We integrate accessibility from the planning stage. Our approach includes inclusive design practices (colour, typography, touch targets, navigation), technical implementation (screen readers, gestures, alt text), accessibility testing (automated and manual), and continuous improvement through regular audits and updates.

Can accessibility improve the overall user experience for all users?

Yes. Features like larger touch targets, clear visual contrasts, voice navigation, and logical flows benefit everyone, including users in temporary situations such as bright sunlight or busy environments. Accessibility enhances usability for all.

Are mobile apps legally required to be accessible?

In many regions, accessibility is legally mandated. Non-compliance can result in legal actions, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Following guidelines such as WCAG 2.1 ensures both legal and ethical compliance.

How does accessibility impact business value?

Accessible apps reach a broader audience, including the estimated 1 in 6 people worldwide living with disabilities. They strengthen brand reputation, demonstrate social responsibility, and increase customer trust and loyalty.

Does Davydov Consulting offer accessibility audits?

Yes. We provide full mobile app accessibility audits, remediation, and UX design consultations. Our audits use automated tools, real-user testing, and compliance checks to identify and resolve accessibility barriers.

How can I get started with making my app accessible?

Contact Davydov Consulting to begin your accessibility journey. We guide you through auditing, remediation, and implementing inclusive design features to ensure your app meets global accessibility standards.