micro:bit iOS app accessibility statement

Overview

The micro:bit iOS app allows you to connect to a micro:bit device via Bluetooth, transfer programs, write code using the built-in MakeCode editor and download data logged on the micro:bit. The app is developed on behalf of the Micro:bit Educational Foundation by Insight Resources.

When you use the MakeCode editor from within the iOS app, it has the same accessibility features as using MakeCode in any browser. See Microsoft MakeCode accessibility support for more details.

This statement covers the core app, including managing connections with different micro:bits, sending programs and accessing error help. The iOS app also includes a Monitor and Control section which lets you interact with the micro:bit in real-time. The Monitor & Control functionality has not been reviewed for accessibility.

A note on alternatives

Due to iOS restrictions on USB and Bluetooth access, it is not possible to transfer programs to a micro:bit using the Microsoft MakeCode editor in a browser. You can write and save programs using the MakeCode editor, but the iOS app is essential for transferring a program onto a micro:bit from an iPhone or iPad.

Bluetooth pairing with a micro:bit relies on seeing the pairing pattern on the micro:bit and requires sighted assistance. The user interface for entering a pairing pattern in the app is not currently screen reader accessible.

The MakeCode editor is not currently accessible with VoiceOver on iOS. We are actively developing screen reader support for MakeCode in 2026, with an initial focus on desktop browser access using a keyboard. Touch based screen reader navigation on mobile devices is not in scope for this initial release.

We also have existing screen reader support in the micro:bit Python Editor.

The rest of the app has partial VoiceOver support. You can navigate the app's native screens, but there are several barriers:

Some buttons have incorrect or missing labels. This will be fixed in the next release.
Focus does not always move to the most relevant content when screens change. You may need to swipe to read all the content.
The menu button does not announce its expanded/collapsed state. When the menu is open, you can close it by tapping the button again.
Images in Help content use filenames rather than descriptions.
Some of the Help content gets split into partial sentences due to styling implementation.

Display settings

The app does not respond to the iOS "Larger Text" accessibility setting. Text size remains fixed regardless of your system preferences.

Colour filters, Smart Invert, and Classic Invert work throughout the app.

Switch control

You can navigate the native pages in the app with switch control using Item Mode. When in the MakeCode browser, you will need to use Gliding Cursor to access everything inside the Blockly toolbox and workspace, and to drag blocks.

Keyboard control