The Bluetooth we have known for decades has lived inside our headphones, mobile devices, and cars, but you might be surprised to learn that Bluetooth® connectivity is integral across a wide range of markets — from homes and offices to retail and industrial spaces. Beyond pairing audio devices and wearables, Bluetooth connectivity also plays a key role in enhancing accessibility for all.
How Bluetooth is creating a more accessible world
To prioritize accessibility, environments, technologies, and services must be designed to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of physical, sensory, cognitive, or other impairments.
Bluetooth innovations like Bluetooth® LE Audio and Auracast™ broadcast audio are enhancing accessibility and improving audio quality for all. Bluetooth® LE Audio ensures superior sound quality, reduces power consumption, and enables seamless connectivity across audio devices, particularly hearing aids and wireless headphones. Auracast™ broadcasts revolutionize audio in public spaces, enabling assistive listening and allowing users to connect directly to a venue’s sound system like those in airports, cinemas, theaters, stadiums, and more — enhancing listening experiences for every visitor.
- Hearing aids: Bluetooth® hearing aids and assistive listening solutions allow you to use your hearing devices to connect to Auracast™ audio sources, enhancing engagement and allowing you to fully enjoy everyday conversations and activities.
- Auracast™ transmitters: Auracast™ transmitters (e.g., smartphones, tablets, public address and sound systems, etc.) enable all types of public locations — from large venues such as airports and conference centers to smaller establishments such as gymnasiums, cinemas, and houses of worship — to deliver audio experiences that will enhance visitor satisfaction and increase accessibility.
- Auracast™ receivers: The Bluetooth SIG expects support for Auracast™ broadcast audio will soon become a standard feature on all mainstream Bluetooth audio products (e.g., headsets, earbuds, hearing aids, etc.), allowing users to tune into audio broadcasts in public venues, eliminating barriers and enhancing listening experiences in public spaces for all. You can also invite others to share in your personal audio experience; your friends and family can use their Auracast™ headsets, earbuds, hearing aids, etc. to tune into audio broadcasted from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Improving physical accessibility
Thanks to Bluetooth® connectivity, we have also seen a significant increase in solutions that support greater mobility assistance and enhanced emergency notification. Smart wheelchairs depend on Bluetooth technology for smartphone control, custom seating, and navigation adjustments. Bluetooth joysticks improve mobility for those with limited motor function, enabling control of wheelchairs or computers via a Bluetooth connection. Fall-detection wearables use Bluetooth technology to connect with smartphones, automatically alerting emergency contacts in case of a fall. Bluetooth enabled medical alert systems allow elderly or disabled individuals to contact caregivers or emergency services directly from a wearable device.
Visual accessibility can also be improved with the aid of Bluetooth® connectivity. Bluetooth enabled screen readers allow visually impaired users to connect to smartphones and computers, letting users read digital content in braille. Bluetooth smart glasses assist with object and text recognition, providing audio descriptions through Bluetooth earpieces.
Bluetooth® audio solutions help deliver immersive and inclusive consumer experiences. Superior music and voice quality, industry-leading low latency, hearing enhancement, and personalization, all supported by seamless connectivity and low power consumption, help users interact with the world in new ways.
Dino Bekis, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Bluetooth accessibility trends and market forecasts
With Bluetooth® technology, the possibilities are endless. Bluetooth connectivity enables boundless innovation in step with the needs of people, businesses, and industries. Recently, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) released the Bluetooth® market update 2025. This annual report highlights new device shipment forecasts, recent and upcoming Bluetooth enhancements, and trends in Bluetooth applications.
See how the Bluetooth community continues to bring bold new ideas to life and push the boundaries of what’s possible, enhancing our lives, making businesses smarter, and driving entire industries forward.
Check out the Bluetooth® market update 2025.
