The Olympics wrapped up in spectacular fashion on Sunday, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming Paralympics. However, the idea of a world where all Olympics happen simultaneously, with differently-abled athletes competing against each other, is an intriguing concept. Apple’s new short film, The Relay, explores this idea by showcasing eight athletes with and without disabilities competing together.
Directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for his work on Sound of Metal, The Relay features athletes on a journey to compete in the 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles. The film not only focuses on competition but also highlights various adaptive technologies across the Apple ecosystem. Among these technologies are Magnifier + Point and Speak, which assists individuals with vision impairments by identifying and reading descriptions out loud. The athletes also utilize Wheelchair workouts and Assistive Touch on Apple Watch.
Apple has a history of developing adaptive technologies like Voice Over for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. In the upcoming platform updates (iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sonoma, watchOS 10), new features such as Music Haptics on the iPhone, Eye Tracking on the iPad and iPhone, and Live Captions on Apple Vision Pro are set to be introduced. These advancements aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for users with varying abilities.
In The Relay, a not-quite-four-minute video available on Apple.com and YouTube, athletes compete in races such as a 50-meter swim, a 400-meter run, and a 100-meter sprint. Each race pairs a fully-abled athlete against a differently-abled one, emphasizing the athletes’ shared approach to competition. Despite their differences, the athletes express a common desire to excel in their respective sports, highlighting their dedication and passion for athletic achievement.
Apple collaborated with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization supporting physically challenged athletes, to ensure the realistic depiction of athletes and their use of Apple technologies in the film. The athletes in The Relay train using Apple products to monitor vital metrics like heart rate and utilize assistive features like Spoken Content and Magnifier + Point and Speak.
The competitive segments of the film capture the excitement and spirit of athletic competition, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of inclusive sports. While the film may evoke memories of the Olympics, the true essence of the games is set to return in 2028 in Los Angeles. Hopefully, some of the athletes featured in The Relay will have the opportunity to compete on the grand stage of the Olympics.
Whether you are an avid sports fan or simply enjoyed watching the Olympics, Apple’s new film provides a refreshing perspective on athleticism and inclusivity. The Relay serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, showcasing the determination and resilience of athletes striving for excellence.
