Hi charmingbroc,
welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!
Re: Flashlight and sending photos in messages in Assistive Access
Am no expert in this area so may not be helpful, yet your post deserves some response.
At least we get your discussion underway, providing opportunity for more expert replies.
Seems Assistive Access is purposefully kept basic and simple.
See Understand certain differences in Assistive Access.
Eg: says:
App permissions
To minimize pop-ups while using iPhone, apps won’t ask for permission to access information such as location, photos, and contacts. Instead, you have the option to set access permissions for apps when you set up Assistive Access.
To review or change an app’s permissions, you must exit Assistive Access and go to
Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access or Settings > Apps > [app name].
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Re: " ... is there any way to send photo messages (instead of video selfies) in messages within assistive access?"
As far as I know, one may need to exit Assistive Access to send photo messages.
Enter and exit Assistive Access on iPhone - Apple Support
Within Assistive Access sending a video-selfie does seem to be the only "photo" option
Send messages with Assistive Access on iPhone - Apple Support
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Re: "Any workarounds with this?"
You can add other iOS apps in their original form, (not only apps that are specially designed for Assistive Access, like Calls, Camera, Magnifier, Messages, Music, and Photos): See how to:
Add, remove, and customize apps for Assistive Access on iPhone - Apple Support
Eg: also says:
"Change options for apps in Assistive Access
- Exit Assistive Access if it’s active.
- Go to Settings
> Accessibility > Assistive Access, then tap the app’s name. - Choose options for the app".
or
You could try asking the experts via Apple's Accessibility Support Website
(NB: You can "Get Support" from the link at the bottom of their website:)
Accessibility Support - Official Apple Support
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Re: "How can we access flashlight when in assistive access?
No, the flashlight does NOT appear on the homescreen, and the backtap settings also seem to be disabled on assistive access mode".
Seems there are no options to access the flashlight when in assistive access.
The latest info. for iOS 18: Assistive Access User Guide - Apple Support
All the best :-)
