WCAG 3 (working draft)
W3C Working Draft published March 3 2026, complete WCAG rewrite, not just an incremental patch. 174 requirements (vs ~50 WCAG 2.2 AA criteria), new multi-level scoring model (Bronze/Silver/Gold) instead of A/AA/AAA, explicit consideration of cognitive disabilities (WCAG 2.x weak zone), real user tests integrated to framework. Not final before 2027 minimum, but clear positioning: go beyond surface compliance.
Strengths
- Covers cognitive disabilities (ADHD, dyslexia, autism), WCAG 2.x weak zone, product differentiator
- Multi-level scoring (Bronze/Silver/Gold) more useful for product prioritization than binary pass/fail
- Strategic watch: knowing WCAG 3 now = head start over 95% of teams
Limitations
- Unstable Working Draft, the 174 requirements may change significantly before final version
- No automated tooling in 2026, axe-core, Lighthouse, Pa11y don't cover WCAG 3
- Has no legal value, not substitutable to WCAG 2.2 AA for regulatory compliance
Best for
- Design system manager wanting to position DS beyond surface compliance
- Team touching sensitive audience (health, education, public) where cognitive a11y is central
- Quarterly a11y strategic watch for DS governance committee