Apple is shining a light on how its iPhone technology can serve more than just athletes and hobbyists. The company recently highlighted Action mode, a video stabilization feature, as a powerful aid for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
How Action mode works
First launched with the iPhone 14 in 2022, Action mode uses advanced digital stabilization and wider framing to counteract shaky footage. By analyzing motion and gyro data in real time, the phone crops and adjusts video frames to keep recordings steady.
Originally promoted as a way to film smooth action shots during sports or family activities, the tool has found a new audience. For people with Parkinson’s, who often struggle with hand tremors, recording video once felt almost impossible. Now, this feature helps capture everyday life without the distraction of constant wobbling.
A shift toward accessibility
Apple’s short film No Frame Missed showcases real users with Parkinson’s—Brett, Bette, and Ellen—filming meaningful moments with Action mode. The campaign underscores Apple’s commitment to accessibility, an area where the company has already made strides with tools like Voice Control and AssistiveTouch.
The feature, however, is limited to newer devices. It is available on iPhone 14 through iPhone 16 models, but not on the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, which lacks the necessary hardware.
Why it matters
More than 10 million people worldwide live with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. For many, tremors disrupt daily tasks and make it difficult to preserve memories. By smoothing out those tremors, Action mode gives users a sense of control—something the disease often takes away.
Accessibility as innovation
Action mode may have started as a flashy addition for sports fans, but it has grown into a meaningful accessibility tool. By focusing on inclusivity, Apple reinforces its message that technology should adapt to people’s needs, not the other way around.
