The Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education in Iceland is calling for people to share real-life examples of how the lack of Icelandic in Apple devices creates barriers in daily life, especially for disabled people. According to initial reports from Mannlíf, the ministry aims to use these examples to convince Apple to add Icelandic to the software on devices like iPhones and iPads.
Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education, discussed the matter with Apple representatives during a meeting in April and formally requested that Icelandic be included in Apple’s software. The ministry is now inviting submissions not just from users themselves but also relatives, support staff and professionals, reflecting the broad impact on both children and adults.
Icelandic authorities have already provided Apple with language technology data to ease the technical process of including Icelandic. To gather compelling evidence for the case, the ministry is asking contributors to detail their age, any accessibility needs, which devices, apps or accessibility features are affected, and to explain what is difficult or impossible without Icelandic support, especially the impact on communication, education, independence, or daily tasks. Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected].
The Office of the Disabled (ÖBÍ) and the language technology centre Almannarómur are working with the ministry on this initiative. ÖBÍ notes that some built-in Apple apps and features can only be used on Apple devices, and that these devices’ integration often makes technology simpler to use. However, in Iceland, users with mobility impairments do not have access to voice control in their own language. As a result, features like opening Icelandic apps or writing in Icelandic are only accessible via English voice control, often making users reliant on outside help.
The ministry cited Apple’s own December 2025 accessibility campaign highlighting the importance of technology access for disabled students. Logi Einarsson said, “Language technology is not a luxury but a human rights issue. We need users’ help to show Apple with real examples what is at stake,” and added, “Access to smart technology matters today and especially for disabled people.” (translated)
Sources
Links: tilkynningu
- Stjórnarráð Íslands (Government of Iceland) in Icelandic
- Mannlíf (first reported) in Icelandic
- mbl.is in Icelandic
