Making an iPhone Easier to Use: Simple Accessibility Changes That Can Support Older People

For many older people, staying connected with family, accessing information and feeling independent are important parts of everyday life. However, smartphones can sometimes become overwhelming, with too many apps, notifications and features competing for attention.

The good news is that a new phone is not always the answer. With some thoughtful adjustments, an existing iPhone can often be simplified to better match a person's needs, abilities and daily routines.

As Occupational Therapists, we look beyond the technology itself. The goal is not simply to make a phone "easier" — it is to help a person confidently use technology for the things that matter most to them.

Why Smartphones Can Become Difficult to Use

Smartphones are designed with many features and options, but this flexibility can also create challenges. Some common barriers for older people include:

• too many apps or icons on the home screen
• difficulty finding important functions
• small text or unclear visual information
• too many notifications and distractions
• difficulty remembering steps
• reduced confidence after previous frustrating experiences

A phone that is technically capable may not always be practically usable.

Start with the Person, Not the Phone

A common mistake is adding more technology in an attempt to solve a problem. An OT approach starts by asking: "What does this person want their phone to help them do?"

For one person, it may be calling their family easily, receiving photos from grandchildren, or checking appointments. For another, most features may not be needed at all. A simpler phone setup often works better when it focuses only on meaningful activities.

Assistive Access: Creating a Simpler iPhone Experience

Apple's Assistive Access feature is designed to simplify the iPhone experience by creating a more focused interface with larger onscreen items and fewer choices. It allows the phone to be customised so that only the apps and functions that are important to the person are available.

This can help reduce confusion, visual clutter, accidental changes, and frustration when navigating the phone. A simplified setup might include only essential apps such as Calls, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Magnifier.

The aim is not to remove independence — it is to remove unnecessary barriers.

Simple Changes That Can Make a Big Difference

1. Reduce Clutter

A home screen filled with unused apps can make it harder to find important functions. Consider removing apps that are rarely used, keeping only meaningful features visible, and placing important contacts where they are easy to access.

2. Improve Visibility

Small changes can make the phone easier to see: increase text size, use bold text, increase contrast if required, and choose a simple background image.

3. Make Calling Easier

For many older adults, the most important function of a phone is simply staying connected. Helpful changes include adding important people as favourites, using contact photos, and reducing unnecessary steps to make a call.

The Role of Confidence and Support

Technology success is not just about settings — it is also about confidence. When introducing changes, involve the person in the setup, use familiar language, practise the tasks they actually want to do, and avoid introducing features they do not need.

A phone that does everything is not always the best phone. The best setup is the one that supports the person's routines, confidence and independence.

A Note for Families and Supporters

It can be tempting to set up a phone quickly "for" someone. However, involving the person in the process helps build familiarity and ownership. Take time to practise answering a call, calling a favourite contact, reading a message, and taking a photo. Small successes can make a significant difference.

What if a Smartphone Is Still Not the Right Fit?

While simple accessibility changes can make a smartphone easier to use, a smartphone will not be the best option for everyone. If, after simplifying the device, it is still difficult to use or does not meet the person's needs, an Occupational Therapist can help explore other options. This may include different devices, alternative communication solutions, accessibility features or support strategies that better match the person's abilities, preferences and daily routines.

The goal is not to use the most advanced technology — it is to find the right solution to help the person stay connected, safe and independent.

Need Help Making Technology Easier to Use?

Occupational Therapists can help assess how technology fits with a person's vision, cognition, dexterity, hearing, confidence and daily routines. The goal is always the same: using technology to support independence and participation.