As the digital world continues to expand, so does the urgency to make it inclusive for everyone—especially people with disabilities. While websites have seen growing attention around accessibility, mobile applications are fast becoming the new frontier. Driving this evolution is the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which sets a unified legal framework across EU member states for accessible digital products and services, including mobile apps.
This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity for organizations aiming to stay compliant and inclusive. And at the center of this transformation lies the need for web accessibility remediation—not just for websites, but increasingly for mobile platforms as well.
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
Adopted in 2019 and set to be enforced from June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across the European Union. It covers a broad range of digital products and services, including:
- E-commerce platforms
- Banking services
- eBooks and eReaders
- Ticketing and check-in machines
- Mobile applications and software
- Telecommunication services
While public sector websites and apps were already subject to accessibility obligations under the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the EAA now brings the private sector under the umbrella, significantly widening the scope.
Why Mobile Apps Are in Focus
Mobile apps have become a primary interface for digital engagement—whether it’s online banking, shopping, communication, or navigation. However, accessibility in mobile environments often lags behind web accessibility. Factors contributing to this include:
- Rapid development cycles with little time for accessibility testing
- Limited developer awareness of mobile accessibility APIs
- Fragmented platforms (iOS vs Android) with varying accessibility capabilities
- Visual-centric UI designs that often exclude assistive navigation
The EAA brings these issues into the spotlight, making mobile app accessibility not just a best practice, but a legal requirement.
Understanding Accessibility in Mobile Apps
Accessibility in mobile apps involves ensuring that all interactive components—buttons, forms, menus, gestures—can be used by individuals with disabilities. This includes:
- Screen reader compatibility (e.g., VoiceOver for iOS, TalkBack for Android)
- Keyboard navigation and focus order
- Color contrast and font scalability
- Gesture alternatives for users with motor impairments
- Consistent and meaningful labeling of elements
While some principles overlap with web accessibility, mobile introduces unique challenges like touch gestures and small-screen UI design that must be considered independently.
The Role of Web Accessibility Remediation
Web accessibility remediation traditionally refers to the process of identifying and fixing accessibility issues in digital content, typically websites. However, its principles are now being extended to mobile apps, particularly hybrid apps or those built using cross-platform web technologies like React Native, Flutter, or Cordova.
Remediation in this context includes:
- Auditing the app interface against standards like WCAG 2.1
- Fixing code-level issues that block screen reader navigation
- Implementing accessible design patterns
- Testing with actual assistive technologies
- Providing alternative formats for content (e.g., captions, alt text, transcripts)
As organizations prepare for EAA compliance, web accessibility remediation services are evolving to support mobile platforms as well, ensuring consistent accessibility across both web and mobile experiences.
Key Standards and Guidelines
Although the EAA does not introduce a brand-new technical standard, it references internationally recognized guidelines such as:
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
- EN 301 549 – The European standard used for procurement and compliance
For mobile apps, this means aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which applies to both native and hybrid mobile applications. Some mobile-specific success criteria include:
- Orientation (Content should not restrict to a single display orientation)
- Status Messages (Users should be informed of changes in content)
- Label in Name (Accessible names should match visual labels)
Organizations must ensure their apps conform to these standards or risk legal consequences once the EAA comes into effect.
The Compliance Deadline: What Businesses Should Know
The compliance deadline for the EAA is June 28, 2025. While that may seem distant, ensuring mobile app accessibility is not a plug-and-play task. It requires:
- Thorough accessibility audits
- Code refactoring or design overhauls
- Continuous monitoring and testing
- Developer training and process integration
Companies that start web accessibility remediation now—extending it to mobile platforms—will not only stay ahead of legal requirements but also offer a better user experience to a broader audience.
Business Benefits of Mobile Accessibility
While compliance is a strong motivator, mobile accessibility also delivers significant business value:
- Larger audience reach, including users with disabilities
- Better app store ratings from inclusive user experiences
- Reduced legal risk and increased brand trust
- Improved usability for all users, especially in low-light or hands-free environments
- Competitive advantage in regulated sectors like finance, travel, and healthcare
Companies that prioritize accessibility often discover it leads to better design and more intuitive interfaces for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The European Accessibility Act is a game-changer, especially in the realm of mobile apps. With digital services increasingly shifting to mobile-first experiences, accessibility can no longer be limited to the web.
By extending web accessibility remediation practices to mobile platforms, organizations can meet legal requirements, serve diverse users more effectively, and future-proof their digital strategies. The EAA isn’t just a compliance obligation—it’s an opportunity to lead in digital inclusion.
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