Apple TV sign language interpretation will start on November 13, the day Being Heumann premieres on the service. The option adds sign language interpretation to supported Apple Original films, and both Being Heumann and F1 will offer American Sign Language and British Sign Language.
Apple built the sign language option with Deaf and native signers, and you switch it on in the Apple TV app settings before it appears. It works on iOS 27.2, iPadOS 27.2, macOS Golden Gate 27.2, tvOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 or later.
Apple TV sign language is opt-in
Once the setting is on, supported titles carry a Sign Language icon. You press the Sign Language button while you watch to switch the interpretation on.
You can also search for phrases like “with ASL” to find signed titles. A new Movies & Shows with American Sign Language collection gathers them in one place in the app.
Each performance is made to fit the film it interprets. Daniel Durant, who appears in Being Heumann, directed the sign language interpretation for that film.
Durant says every translation captured the emotion and meaning of the story. Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director of Global Accessibility Policy and Initiatives, calls the feature a step forward for Deaf audiences and describes accessibility as a core value at Apple.
Being Heumann leads four titles
Being Heumann is the first title. The R-rated drama follows Judy Heumann, played by Ruth Madeley, and more than 100 protesters who occupy a federal building in San Francisco in 1977. Siân Heder directed it, her second film with Apple Original Films after the Best Picture winner CODA, and it opened in select theaters on November 6 before arriving on Apple TV on November 13.
The second title is F1 on Apple TV, which Apple describes as the highest-grossing sports feature of all time. Way of the Warrior Kid and Greyhound follow later this year, and Apple plans to add more Apple Original films and series after that.
Version 27.2 is the minimum
Supported third-party devices need the latest Apple TV app software.
If you updated your iPhone when iOS 27.2 came out on October 26, you already have what the feature needs. The Apple TV subscription costs $14.99 per month, and new subscribers get a seven-day free trial.
