Assistive Access: How to Turn On Apple's Simple Mode for iPhone and iPad
Assistive Access gives an iPhone or iPad a simple screen with a few large buttons. Who it's for, what changes, and how to set it up and turn it off.
Plainspoken Tech for Seniors · Book 3
Your iPhone, Plainly Explained
A Large-Print, Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors to Every Setting, App and Safety Feature That Matters, Updated for iOS 26 and iOS 27
By Graham Tulley · Updated for iOS 26 and iOS 27
Coming soon to Amazon
Coming soon to Amazon
Large-print paperback and Kindle ebook, from Amazon in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other countries.
About this book
Your iPhone can do so much. It shouldn’t be this confusing.
Tiny text. Settings buried three menus deep. Gestures nobody ever explained. If your iPhone feels like it was designed for someone else, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault.
This large-print guide walks you through your iPhone one calm step at a time. It covers both kinds of iPhone: Face ID models and those with a Home button. Updated for iOS 26 and iOS 27.
Inside, you'll learn how to:
- Make text bigger and the screen easier to see and hear
- Make and answer calls, save contacts, block nuisance callers and use voicemail
- Send messages, photos and FaceTime video calls to family
- Take, find and share photos without losing them
- Install apps safely, cancel subscriptions and tidy your Home Screen
- Protect your Apple Account, passcode and Face ID
- Set up Emergency SOS, Medical ID and Find My before you need them
- Keep it charged, updated and backed up
- Fix frozen screens, no sound and Wi-Fi problems yourself
Made for real readers
- 60 quick how-tos
- "Plain Talk" boxes for every tech word
- A glossary and quick-reference cards
- A free printable Scam-Stopper Kit
- Large print in a typeface designed for low vision
Who it's for
Anyone with an iPhone that runs iOS 26 or iOS 27, whether it's brand new or a hand-me-down from the family. To check your version, open Settings, tap General, then About.
Book details
| Series | Plainspoken Tech for Seniors, Book 3 |
|---|---|
| Author | Graham Tulley |
| Publisher | Plainspoken Tech |
| Formats | Paperback and Kindle ebook |
| Paperback | 219 pages · 7 × 10 in · black and white |
| Print size | Large print: 15-point Atkinson Hyperlegible |
| Covers | Updated for iOS 26 and iOS 27 |
| Language | English (US spelling) |
| Availability | Coming soon to Amazon |
What's inside: table of contents
- Introduction: How to Use This Book (and a Free Gift)
- Chapter 1: Meet Your iPhone: Buttons, Gestures and the Home Screen
- Chapter 2: Make It Easy to See and Hear
- Chapter 3: Calls, Contacts and Voicemail
- Chapter 4: Messages, Photos and Staying in Touch
- Chapter 5: The Camera and Photos App
- Chapter 6: Apps: Finding, Installing and Tidying Up
- Chapter 7: Your Apple Account, Passwords and Face ID
- Chapter 8: Staying Safe: Scams, Privacy and Emergency Features
- Chapter 9: The Internet, Email and Wi-Fi
- Chapter 10: Everyday Helpers: Siri, Maps, Calendar, Reminders, Weather and Health
- Chapter 11: Battery, Storage, Updates and Backups
- Chapter 12: When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting
- Appendix A: 60 Quick How-Tos
- Appendix B: Glossary
- Appendix C: Quick-Reference Cards
- A Note From Graham
Questions about Your iPhone
Does it cover iPhones with a Home button?
Yes. The book covers both kinds of iPhone: models with Face ID and models with a Home button, and tells you which steps apply to which.
Which version of iOS is it written for?
iOS 26 and iOS 27. To see which one your iPhone has, open Settings, tap General, then tap About and look at iOS Version.
Will it help me make the text bigger?
Yes. Chapter 2 is all about making your iPhone easier to see and hear, starting with text size. You can also read our free article on it today.
Free articles on iPhone
iPhone & iPad iPhone & iPad What "Ask Reason for Calling" Means on iPhone, and the Best Setting for Seniors
iPhone's Screen Unknown Callers options explained: Never, Ask Reason for Calling and Silence. What each does, and the best choice for older adults.
iPhone & iPad Not Getting Some Texts on Your iPhone? Check the Unknown Senders Filter
If texts seem to be missing on your iPhone, they may be in the Unknown Senders filter. How to find them, mark a sender as known, and keep scam texts out.
Also in the series
Book 1 of 5AI for Seniors, Plainly Explained
Use AI assistants with confidence and common sense, and spot the new AI scams.
Works with ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude and Meta AI
Coming soon to Amazon
Book 2 of 5Scam-Proof
See the pattern behind every scam, and know exactly what to say and do.
Phone, text, email, online and AI scams
Coming soon to Amazon
Book 4 of 5Your iPad, Plainly Explained
Video calls, reading, photos and safety on the big screen, explained calmly.
Updated for iPadOS 26 and iPadOS 27
Coming soon to Amazon
Book 5 of 5Your Android Phone, Plainly Explained
Steps for Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel, plus tricks that work on any Android phone.
Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel · Android 16 and 17
Coming soon to Amazon
This book is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. iPhone, iOS and FaceTime are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.