Accessibility Inspector

What Accessibility Inspector is

Accessibility Inspector is a free tool included with Xcode for examining accessibility in apps for Apple platforms. It displays and queries an app element’s accessibility properties, available actions, and position in the view hierarchy. Its audits flag common issues such as insufficient contrast, clipped text, and missing element descriptions. Results can be saved as an HTML report with summaries, screenshots, issue descriptions, and suggested fixes.

Developers can also run accessibility audits in UI tests using performAccessibilityAudit(for:_:). The target menu lists connected devices and apps, allowing inspection of apps on Mac and selected iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, or tvOS devices. To open the tool, choose Xcode > Open Developer Tool > Accessibility Inspector. Apple’s App Store listing describes Xcode as Mac-only, labels it Free, and lists macOS 26.2 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later as requirements. Accessibility Inspector supports automated scans and manual review, mobile testing, remediation guidance, and CI/CD integration. Apple cautions that clearing all reported audit issues does not establish that an app is fully accessible, and recommends testing with assistive apps such as VoiceOver. For questions, bug reports, or enhancement requests about developer tools, Apple lists Developer Forums and Feedback Assistant as support channels.

Who it suits

Accessibility Inspector suits developers building apps for Apple platforms who need to inspect accessibility properties and audit screens. It is a fit for Mac users working with Xcode and connected Apple devices, including teams that want to run audits in UI tests.

Limits

Xcode, which includes Accessibility Inspector, is listed for Mac with macOS 26.2 or later and an Apple M1 chip or later. Apple says resolving every reported audit issue does not guarantee that an app is fully accessible.

Getting started

1. Use a Mac that meets Xcode’s listed macOS and chip requirements.
2. Get Xcode, which Apple lists as free.
3. Open Xcode and choose Xcode > Open Developer Tool > Accessibility Inspector.
4. Choose a connected device or app from the target menu.
5. Inspect elements or run an audit; save results as an HTML report if needed.

Verdict

Choose Accessibility Inspector if you develop Apple platform apps and want screen audits, element inspection, and reports within Xcode. Its free availability and UI test automation suit development workflows on Mac. Teams need broader assurance to also test with assistive apps such as VoiceOver, as Apple says clearing reported audit issues alone does not guarantee full accessibility.