diff --git a/buffer-mobile.md b/buffer-mobile.md index 207cd72..880fb33 100644 --- a/buffer-mobile.md +++ b/buffer-mobile.md @@ -1,32 +1,822 @@ -# Buffer Mobile Assessment +# Buffer Accessibility Conformance Report — Mobile -**Name of Product:** Buffer +VPAT® Version 2.5 — International Edition -**Platform:** Mobile Apps +Name of Product: Buffer -**Date:** August 2020 +Platform: Mobile Apps (iOS and Android) -**Contact Information:** +Date: September 2026 -**Notes:** We're committed to achieving high accessibility standards in our mobile apps. Below are common technologies we pledge to support across mobile platforms. If you find any issues within our apps, **we aim to have them fixed within one to two weeks after you've reached out to us.** +Contact Information: accessibility@buffer.com -Ultimately, our apps should be used, and designed for, everybody. The text should be legible at all sizes, screen reader technologies should make the app navigable and every user should have access to the full set of features within our apps. +--- -**Evaluation Methods Used:** Conformance to the listed accessibility standards has been done through self-evaluation. +## Status of this report -## Assessment +This report is a work in progress and is published in an incomplete state. -Platform specific accessibility standards supported on iOS are: +- Buffer's accessibility evaluation of its mobile apps is ongoing. Many success criteria in this report have not yet been formally tested and are recorded as Not Evaluated. +- Testing carried out so far covers the Android app only. The iOS app has not yet been formally evaluated against any criterion in this report. +- Buffer is validating the remaining criteria incrementally and will update this document as results are confirmed. Statuses recorded here may change as evaluation continues. +- We are publishing in this state so that customers and the public can see what has and has not been assessed, rather than waiting for a complete report. -- Including Bold Text -- High Contrast Cursors -- Reduce Transparency -- Reduce Motion -- Dark themes and color inversion -- Voice Over +If a specific accessibility criterion matters to your use of Buffer, or you have found an accessibility issue in our mobile apps, please contact accessibility@buffer.com or open an issue in this repository. We will prioritise evaluating criteria that our customers tell us are important, and we aim to have reported issues fixed within one to two weeks of you reaching out to us. -Platform specific accessibility standards supported on Android are: +--- -- Dynamic text sizing -- Talkback support -- Screen reader navigation \ No newline at end of file +Notes: This report covers accessibility conformance for the Buffer native iOS and Android mobile applications in a single combined document. WCAG success criteria are interpreted for native app context using the W3C WCAG2Mobile guidance. Findings are reported per platform in the Remarks column. Accessibility conformance for the Buffer web application is reported separately in buffer-web.md. + +Evaluation Methods Used: Self-assessment. Manual testing has been carried out on the Android app using TalkBack across a subset of prioritised flows, including primary navigation, the post composer, and calendar and queue views. No formal evaluation of the iOS app has been carried out to date. No automated accessibility scans have been completed for either app; the tooling available for native apps on both platforms (iOS Accessibility Inspector and Android Accessibility Scanner) requires manual, per-screen operation rather than a full automated audit, and results from these tools are not yet reflected in this report. + +Applicable Standards/Guidelines: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Standard/GuidelineIncluded in Report
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1Level AA (Yes)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2Level AA (Yes)
Revised Section 508 standardsYes
EN 301 549 Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services — V3.2.1 (2021-03)Yes
+ +## Terms + +The terms used in the Conformance Level information are defined as follows: + + + +How iOS and Android are reported together: This report covers both mobile apps in a single set of tables. The Conformance Level column records one combined status for both platforms, applied conservatively: + + + +Platform-specific detail is given in the Remarks column, prefixed with iOS:, Android:, or Both platforms:. + +--- + +## WCAG 2.x Report + +The WCAG criteria below are applicable to the following standards: + +- EN 301 549: Clause 11 (Software), which covers native mobile applications +- Revised Section 508: Chapter 5 — 501.1 Scope + +### Table 1: Success Criteria, Level A + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A)Partially SupportsAndroid: Most icons, buttons, and other elements announce meaningful information in the flows tested. The Instagram hashtag count control does not announce meaningful text. iOS: Not evaluated.
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) (Level A)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not present prerecorded audio-only or video-only content.
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded) (Level A)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not include in-app video content.
1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated. The mobile apps are not understood to include prerecorded media content (see 1.2.1 and 1.2.2); this will be confirmed in a future review.
1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A)Not EvaluatedAndroid: Reading order followed the visual order in the flows tested with TalkBack; no defects were identified. iOS: Not evaluated. A combined conformance level will be recorded once iOS has been tested.
1.3.3 Sensory Characteristics (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.2 Audio Control (Level A)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: No audio plays automatically in the mobile apps.
2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A)Not EvaluatedFor native apps this criterion covers external keyboard input and platform switch control (Switch Control on iOS, Switch Access on Android). Not yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap (Level A)Partially SupportsAndroid: Focus could be moved away from all components in the flows tested, except when exiting the composer, where focus could not be moved away. iOS: Not evaluated.
2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts (Level A — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.2.1 Timing Adjustable (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.4.1 Bypass Blocks (Level A)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: Native apps do not present repeated blocks of content that require a skip mechanism in the web sense. The equivalent function is provided by the platform screen reader through the VoiceOver rotor and TalkBack reading controls.
2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A)Partially SupportsApplied to mobile as screen titles. Android: Screen names are announced when moving between screens, with focus starting on the back control. The Create screen does not announce a title on entry; users have to navigate to the tab bar to identify the section. iOS: Not evaluated.
2.4.3 Focus Order (Level A)Partially SupportsAndroid: Focus moved in a logical order across the flows tested, except when exiting the composer, where focus was trapped. iOS: Not evaluated.
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation (Level A — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A — WCAG 2.1)Partially SupportsAndroid: Most icon-only controls and other elements announce a name that matches their visible purpose. The Instagram hashtag count control does not announce meaningful text, and calendar day headings are announced as single letters (for example, "M") rather than the full day name. iOS: Not evaluated.
2.5.4 Motion Actuation (Level A — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A)Not EvaluatedApplied to mobile as the declared app language. Not yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.2.1 On Focus (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.2.2 On Input (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.2.6 Consistent Help (Level A — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.7 Redundant Entry (Level A — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
4.1.1 Parsing (Level A)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: Obsoleted in WCAG 2.2 and automatically satisfied per W3C guidance. Native apps do not use HTML parsing.
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform. Related label findings are recorded under 1.1.1 and 2.5.3.
+ +### Table 2: Success Criteria, Level AA + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
1.2.4 Captions (Live) (Level AA)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not include live audio or video content.
1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated. The mobile apps are not understood to include prerecorded media content (see 1.2.1 and 1.2.2); this will be confirmed in a future review.
1.3.4 Orientation (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.10 Reflow (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not present content on hover or focus. Native mobile touch interfaces do not provide a hover state.
2.4.5 Multiple Ways (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) (Level AA — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.5.7 Dragging Movements (Level AA — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.2.4 Consistent Identification (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.4 Error Prevention (Legal, Financial, Data) (Level AA)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) (Level AA — WCAG 2.2)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
4.1.3 Status Messages (Level AA — WCAG 2.1)Not EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
+ +### Table 3: Success Criteria, Level AAA + +This report does not include Level AAA criteria. Buffer is reporting against WCAG 2.2 Levels A and AA, including WCAG 2.1 Level AA criteria. + +--- + +## Revised Section 508 Report + +### Chapter 3: Functional Performance Criteria + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
302.1 Without VisionPartially SupportsAndroid: Screen reader testing of a subset of prioritised flows found that most elements announce meaningful information and that reading order followed visual order, but also identified defects that affect use without vision: a focus trap when exiting the composer, a missing screen title on the Create screen, and controls that do not announce meaningful text (see 1.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, and 2.5.3). iOS: Not evaluated.
302.2 With Limited VisionNot EvaluatedText scaling, contrast, and platform display settings have not yet been formally evaluated on either platform.
302.3 Without Perception of ColorNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
302.4 Without HearingNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated. The mobile apps are not understood to rely on audio for any workflow (see 1.2.1 and 1.4.2); this will be confirmed in a future review.
302.5 With Limited HearingNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated. The mobile apps are not understood to rely on audio for any workflow (see 1.2.1 and 1.4.2); this will be confirmed in a future review.
302.6 Without SpeechNot ApplicableBoth platforms: No feature in the mobile apps requires speech input.
302.7 With Limited ManipulationNot EvaluatedSwitch control, assistive touch, and external input have not yet been formally evaluated on either platform.
302.8 With Limited Reach and StrengthNot ApplicableBoth platforms: Buffer provides software applications that run on standard consumer smartphones. Buffer does not provide hardware requiring reach or strength.
302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning AbilitiesNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
+ +### Chapter 4: Hardware + +Buffer provides mobile applications that run on standard consumer smartphones. Buffer does not provide hardware components. All Chapter 4 criteria are Not Applicable. + +### Chapter 5: Software + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
501.1 Scope — Incorporation of WCAG 2.0 AASee WCAG 2.x sectionSee information in WCAG 2.x section above.
502 Interoperability with Assistive TechnologySee WCAG 2.x sectionAssistive technology interoperability for native apps is addressed through the WCAG criteria above, particularly 1.1.1, 2.5.3, and 4.1.2. Known gaps identified on Android are recorded in those rows. iOS has not been evaluated.
503.2 User PreferencesNot EvaluatedThe apps' handling of platform accessibility preferences — including text size, bold text, reduced motion, increased contrast, and colour filters — has not yet been formally evaluated on either platform.
503.3 Alternative User InterfacesNot ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not provide alternative user interfaces.
503.4 User Controls for Captions and Audio DescriptionNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated. The mobile apps are not understood to include an in-app video player (see 1.2.2); this will be confirmed in a future review.
504.2 Content Creation or EditingNot EvaluatedBuffer is an authoring tool for social media content. Whether alt text can be entered in the mobile composer, and for which media types, has not yet been formally evaluated.
504.2.1 Preservation of Information in Format ConversionNot EvaluatedWhether alt text entered in the mobile apps is preserved through publishing to destination platforms has not yet been formally evaluated.
504.2.2 PDF ExportNot ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not export PDFs.
504.3 PromptsNot EvaluatedWhether the mobile composer prompts or warns authors when images are published without alt text has not yet been formally evaluated.
504.4 TemplatesNot ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not provide document templates.
+ +### Chapter 6: Support Documentation and Services + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
602.2 Accessibility and Compatibility FeaturesNot EvaluatedWhether Buffer's Help Center and accessibility statement document mobile-specific accessibility features has not yet been formally reviewed.
602.3 Electronic Support DocumentationSee web reportBuffer's support documentation is delivered as web content and is covered by the Buffer web Accessibility Conformance Report.
602.4 Alternate Formats for Non-Electronic Support DocumentationNot ApplicableAll support documentation is provided electronically.
603.2 Information on Accessibility and Compatibility FeaturesNot EvaluatedSupport services are shared across web and mobile. Mobile-specific coverage has not yet been formally reviewed.
603.3 Accommodation of Communication NeedsNot EvaluatedAccess to support from within the mobile apps has not yet been formally evaluated with VoiceOver or TalkBack.
+ +--- + +## EN 301 549 Report + +### Clause 4: Functional Performance Statements + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
4.2.1 Usage without visionPartially SupportsSee Section 508 criterion 302.1.
4.2.2 Usage with limited visionNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.2.
4.2.3 Usage without perception of colourNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.3.
4.2.4 Usage without hearingNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.4.
4.2.5 Usage with limited hearingNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.5.
4.2.6 Usage with no or limited vocal capabilityNot ApplicableBoth platforms: No feature in the mobile apps requires speech input.
4.2.7 Usage with limited manipulation or strengthNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.7.
4.2.8 Usage with limited reachNot ApplicableBoth platforms: Buffer does not provide hardware.
4.2.9 Minimize photosensitive seizure triggersNot EvaluatedSee WCAG 2.3.1.
4.2.10 Usage with limited cognition, language or learningNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 302.9.
4.2.11 PrivacyNot EvaluatedWhether the mobile apps expose sensitive information to assistive technology beyond what is visually displayed — including password field behaviour with VoiceOver and TalkBack — has not yet been formally evaluated.
+ +### Clause 5: Generic Requirements + +Most Clause 5 criteria relate to hardware or closed functionality and are Not Applicable to the Buffer mobile apps. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
5.1 Closed functionalityNot ApplicableThe mobile apps run on general-purpose smartphones with full access to the operating system's assistive technologies.
5.2 Activation of accessibility featuresNot EvaluatedWhether the mobile apps interfere with platform accessibility features has not yet been formally evaluated.
5.3 BiometricsNot EvaluatedWhether the mobile apps offer biometric authentication, and whether a non-biometric alternative is available, has not yet been formally evaluated.
5.4 Preservation of accessibility information during conversionNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 504.2.1.
5.5–5.9 Operable parts, locking controls, key repeat, double-strike, simultaneous actionsNot ApplicableThese criteria apply to physical ICT hardware. Buffer provides software applications only.
+ +### Clause 6: ICT with Two-Way Voice Communication + +The Buffer mobile apps do not include voice calling, video calling, or real-time text communication features. All Clause 6 criteria are Not Applicable. + +### Clause 7: ICT with Video Capabilities + +The Buffer mobile apps do not provide video communication capabilities. All Clause 7 criteria are Not Applicable. Media handling in the composer is covered by the WCAG criteria above. + +### Clause 8: Hardware + +Buffer does not provide hardware components. All Clause 8 criteria are Not Applicable. + +### Clause 9: Web + +Not Applicable to this report. Conformance for Buffer's web application is reported separately in buffer-web.md. + +### Clause 10: Non-Web Documents + +Not Applicable. The Buffer mobile apps do not create or export non-web documents. + +### Clause 11: Software + +Clause 11 is the relevant EN 301 549 clause for native mobile applications. Criteria 11.1.1.1 through 11.4.1.3 map to WCAG success criteria and are addressed in the WCAG 2.x section above. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
11.1.1.1 through 11.4.1.3See WCAG 2.x sectionSee information in WCAG 2.x section above.
11.5 Interoperability with assistive technologySee WCAG 2.x sectionSee Section 508 criterion 502. Interoperability is addressed through the WCAG criteria above, particularly 1.1.1, 2.5.3, and 4.1.2.
11.6.1 User control of accessibility featuresNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
11.6.2 No disruption of accessibility featuresNot EvaluatedNot yet formally evaluated on either platform.
11.7 User preferencesNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 503.2.
11.8.2 Accessible content creationNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 504.2.
11.8.3 Preservation of accessibility information in transformationsNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 504.2.1.
11.8.4 Repair assistanceNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 504.3.
11.8.5 TemplatesNot ApplicableBoth platforms: The mobile apps do not provide content templates that generate output documents.
+ +### Clause 12: Documentation and Support Services + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
CriteriaConformance LevelRemarks and Explanations
12.1.1 Accessibility and compatibility featuresNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 602.2.
12.1.2 Accessible documentationSee web reportSupport documentation is delivered as web content and is covered by the Buffer web Accessibility Conformance Report.
12.2.2 Information on accessibility and compatibility featuresNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 603.2.
12.2.3 Effective communicationNot EvaluatedSee Section 508 criterion 603.3.
12.2.4 Accessible documentationSee web reportSupport documentation is delivered as web content and is covered by the Buffer web Accessibility Conformance Report.
+ +### Clause 13: ICT Providing Relay or Emergency Service Access + +Buffer does not provide relay or emergency services. All Clause 13 criteria are Not Applicable. + +--- + +## Legal Disclaimer + +This document is provided for informational purposes and reflects Buffer's self-assessment of the accessibility of its mobile applications at the time of publication. Evaluation is incomplete: many criteria are recorded as Not Evaluated, and the iOS app has not yet been formally tested. The information provided does not constitute a warranty or guarantee of accessibility. Buffer is committed to ongoing accessibility improvements and to updating this report as evaluation progresses. + +--- + +_Report prepared by Buffer — September 2026_ + +_This VPAT follows the ITI VPAT® 2.5 International Edition format. For questions, contact accessibility@buffer.com._