VoiceOver® Screen Reading Software

Updated as of May 4, 2024

VoiceOver^® is the screen reader software for Apple devices: iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Unlike screen reader software for computers that run Windows^® software, VoiceOver^® does not need to be downloaded or installed on the device.

While Apple developed and maintains the operating system (OS) used on its devices, there are two versions: iOS for iDevices (iPhones and iPads) and MacOS for Mac computers. Not surprisingly, the VoiceOver^®,screen reader software acts a little differently on these two operating systems.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

• Turn on and practice VoiceOver on iPhone from Apple
• A Beginner’s Guide to Using iOS with VoiceOver by Tyler found at AppleVis
• VoiceOver Gestures in iOS from Deque University

Mac (Laptop and Desktop Apple Computers)

• Get started with VoiceOver on Mac from Apple
• A Beginner’s Guide to Using macOS with VoiceOver by Tyler found at AppleVis 
• VoiceOver Keyboard Shortcuts on a Mac from Deque University 
• Apple’s VoiceOver Getting Started Guide: Please find below links to complete sections of each chapter of an older version of the VoiceOver Getting Started Guide
  • Chapter One: Introducing VoiceOver 
  • Chapter Two: Learning VoiceOver Basics 
  • Chapter Three: Learning Mac OS X Basics
  • Chapter Four: Working with Text 
  • Chapter Five: Navigating Content 
  • Chapter Six: Browsing the Internet 
  • Chapter Seven: Using Mac OS X Applications 
  • Chapter Eight: Collaborating with Other Users 
  • Chapter Nine: Customizing VoiceOver 
  • Chapter Ten: Using Braille Displays 
  • Chapter Eleven: Using VoiceOver Gestures 
  • Appendix A: Commands and Gestures 
  • Appendix B: VoiceOver Utility Options 

Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information

• Our Accessible web form
• Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org 
• Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
• Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call

This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.