Episode Details

In this episode of the AppleVis Extra podcast, David Nason is joined by Ashley Cox, a blind software developer who is building native apps for Apple's platforms with a strong focus on accessibility, usability, and thoughtful design.

Ashley shares his journey into software development—from teaching himself HTML in the early days of the web to developing sophisticated Swift applications for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. Along the way, he discusses how personal needs often inspire his projects and why creating software for yourself can lead to better experiences for everyone.

The conversation takes an in-depth look at Simulcast, Ashley's upcoming podcast application that combines podcast playback, internet radio, Apple Music integration, iCloud syncing, Siri support, and a host of accessibility-focused features into one native Apple experience. Ashley also discusses two additional projects currently in development: Levelly, a precision spirit level for iPhone; and Audit, a modern single-track audio editor designed specifically for macOS.

David and Ashley also explore:

• Learning Swift as a blind developer
• Why native apps still matter
• Cross-platform versus native development
• Building accessible interfaces from the ground up
• VoiceOver customization, rotor support, and real-world testing
• Working with hundreds of beta testers
• Using Apple APIs such as Siri, Apple Intelligence, ShazamKit, and iCloud
• The realities—and frustrations—of publishing software on the App Store
• Pricing apps without relying solely on subscriptions
• How AI is changing modern software development
• Why blind developers bring unique perspectives to software design

Whether you're interested in Apple development, accessibility, podcast apps, or hearing from developers within the blind community, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes of modern app development and the passion required to bring quality software to life.

Resources & Links:

• Ashley Cox
• The Blind Man's Workshop
• AppleVis discussion: Seeking Testers for my new iOS and macOS Podcast App

If you're interested in following the development of Simulcast, joining the beta, or reading feedback from early testers, be sure to visit the AppleVis discussion thread linked above. It includes feature updates, development news, and information on participating in the TestFlight beta.

Thanks for listening to the AppleVis Extra podcast.

Transcript

Disclaimer: This transcript was generated by AI Note Taker – VoicePen, an AI-powered transcription app. It is not edited or formatted, and it may not accurately capture the speakers’ names, voices, or content.

David: welcome to the Appoviz Extra podcast. David Nason here, delighted to be with you for another episode. On today's podcast, really excited to be joined by a developer called Ashley Cox. This is the first in a mini-series of podcasts we're doing to showcase blind and low vision developers. So people from within our community, who…