11.3.1.2 and mobile apps

11.3.1.2 is currently void in version 3.2.1, with the following note:

NOTE: To apply the related web page requirement for "Language of parts" to software would require the marking-up of all text in all locations within the software. This would be impossible so an equivalent is not included in this clause on software requirements

This note is not so clear to me, since this kind of accessibility feature is available for mobile apps on the two main native mobile platforms. On Android, one can use localeSpan, an on iOS accessibilitySpeechLanguage. More information about the support on the language of parts page on appt.org These features are available to my knowledge without requiring to mark-up all text in all locations, as mentioned in this note.

On this topic, WCAG2ICT only mentions in the 1st note on 3.1.2 that some software technologies do not support this, but it is clearly not the case for mobile apps.

Is this note about desktop technologies? Could this criterion be made applicable to mobile applications with an exception for technologies requiring the marking-up of all text in all locations?

This criterion is really helpful for mobile applications used in multilingual contexts.

This point has been discussed in the frame of the AGWG Mobile Accessibility Task Force, cf issue #15.