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Last Updated: January 2025
WCAG 3.0 (also known as W3C Accessibility Guidelines) is the next generation of accessibility standards, currently in development. Learn about the new outcomes-based approach, scoring system, and how it will transform web accessibility.
WCAG 3.0 is currently in active development by the W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group. The latest Working Draft was published on September 4, 2025. It is not yet a W3C Recommendation and should not be used for compliance purposes.
WCAG 3.0 (W3C Accessibility Guidelines) represents a fundamental shift in how accessibility guidelines are structured and measured. According to the official W3C specification, it provides a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible to users with disabilities.
Instead of the binary pass/fail system in WCAG 2.x, WCAG 3.0 introduces an outcomes-based approach with guidelines supported by requirements and assertions, with technology-specific methods to meet each requirement.
WCAG 3.0 addresses accessibility for a much broader range of content and technologies:
| Aspect | WCAG 2.2 | WCAG 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
Structure | Success Criteria (A, AA, AAA levels) | Outcomes (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels) |
Testing | Pass/Fail binary testing | Scoring system (0-100%) |
Approach | Rule-based, technical requirements | Outcomes-based, user-focused |
Scope | Web content primarily | Web, mobile apps, PDFs, emerging tech |
Guidance | Fixed success criteria | Adaptive guidance with testing methods |
According to the official specification, WCAG 3.0 is structured differently from WCAG 2.x:
Key Difference: WCAG 3.0 focuses on user outcomes rather than prescriptive technical requirements. Each guideline can be met through various technology-specific methods, giving developers more flexibility while ensuring accessibility needs are addressed.
All non-text content has text alternatives that serve the equivalent purpose
Text and interactive elements meet minimum contrast requirements
Keyboard focus indicators are clearly visible
All functionality is available via keyboard
Errors are identified and described to users
Form inputs have clear labels and instructions
Minimum accessibility requirements. Equivalent to WCAG 2.x Level A compliance.
Enhanced accessibility. Equivalent to WCAG 2.x Level AA compliance.
Highest level of accessibility. Equivalent to WCAG 2.x Level AAA compliance.
Initial working drafts published, public feedback collected, major structural changes implemented. Latest Working Draft published on September 4, 2025.
Expected transition to Candidate Recommendation status. More stable specification, wider implementation testing. Timeline subject to change based on development progress.
Final W3C Recommendation status. Official release for compliance use. No official timeline available yet. The specification is expected to be updated regularly to keep pace with changing technology.
Note: The specification is expected to be updated regularly with updates to and new methods, requirements, and guidelines that address new needs as technologies evolve. This is a significant change from WCAG 2.x, which was more static.
Official Resources: