Apple has been showcasing how its technology can make a difference beyond entertainment and sports. One recent example is Action Mode, a video stabilization feature that has become an unexpected tool for people managing Parkinson’s disease.
What Action Mode Does
Introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, Action Mode stabilizes video by using real-time motion and gyro data. The phone adjusts framing and crops footage on the fly, delivering smoother clips even when the device is shaking. While initially marketed for athletes, travel vloggers, and parents capturing active moments, it has taken on a new purpose. For those with Parkinson’s, a condition often accompanied by hand tremors, the feature can transform previously shaky and unwatchable recordings into steady, shareable videos.
Accessibility in Action
Apple recently highlighted this in its short film No Frame Missed, which follows people with Parkinson’s using Action Mode to document meaningful parts of their lives. The project aligns with Apple’s broader accessibility efforts, joining tools like Voice Control and AssistiveTouch in making everyday technology more inclusive.
That said, Action Mode isn’t universal across the lineup. It’s available on iPhone 14 through iPhone 16, but budget-friendly models like the iPhone 16e don’t have the required hardware.
Why It Matters
Parkinson’s disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, and tremors can make simple tasks—like filming a moment with loved ones—frustrating or impossible. By stabilizing video automatically, Action Mode helps users preserve memories and regain a sense of control in situations where the condition often takes it away.
Turning Features Into Lifelines
What started as a tool for sports enthusiasts has evolved into a practical accessibility feature with real impact. Apple’s approach highlights a larger message: the best innovations are those that adapt to human needs, ensuring technology serves everyone.