As we dive into the world of app user experience, it's crucial to understand how AI is shaping the future of accessibility. With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) continuing to make waves across Europe, what does this mean for your website and app in 2026? Can AI outdo humans when it comes to accessibility? In this article, we'll explore the top five app user experience trends that will shape the industry in the coming year.
The EAA's Impact on Marketing
Last year, I highlighted the significance of the EAA in marketing across Europe. As we move into 2026, we're seeing the monitoring bodies tasked with enforcing compliance take center stage. With 25 countries now having monitoring bodies in place, each with varying degrees of enforcement, organizations must assess their risk carefully to avoid potential fines. It's essential to work with strategic accessibility experts rather than relying on those selling accessibility tools or audits.
AI-Powered Discoverability
Marketers have long focused on ensuring content is discoverable. However, as we move into the age of AI summaries, creating content for SEO purposes is being replaced by being discoverable in AI summaries. But did you know that accessibility can help your brand appear in AI summaries and search results? By incorporating simple accessibility requirements like titles, headings, meta descriptions, alt-text, transcripts, descriptive links, and readability, you'll boost AI's power to understand and discover your content.
Content is King
As we move away from traditional website-centric thinking, it's crucial to consider the role of content in app user experience. Whether it's video or podcast content, including chapters with clear descriptions will not only help users navigate more quickly but also make your content more discoverable to AI. Increasingly, accessibility equals visibility.
The Rise of Agentic AI
Developments in agentic AI tools mean that customers can now access web content and make transactions without visiting the website. To show up in this new world, consumer-facing brands must ensure their agents can easily recognize key elements like data and transactions. Accessibility plays a critical role here, making your content accessible and checkout process navigable by screen readers.
Going Beyond Screens
Accessibility is no longer just about screens. As devices evolve with virtual reality, augmented reality, the Internet of Things, and more, accessibility must be considered in these new forms of content and experience. New international guidelines for new media types are on the horizon, but for now, it's essential to seek out the best sources of accessibility guidelines for the techs you're using.
Trust in AI
When it comes to AI-powered chatbots, trust is a critical factor – especially for users with additional accessibility needs. It's crucial to be upfront when using AI and ensure users know how content and responses have been created. For example, if a chatbot is used, make sure the user knows they're interacting with an AI, not a human.
The Role of Humans
Finally, let's not forget about humans. As AI becomes more prevalent, it's essential to recognize when human intervention may be needed. Whether it's providing assistance for users with disabilities or simply offering a human touch, AI must learn to adapt and recognize the importance of human interaction.