The CSS `:focus-visible` pseudo-class is now supported in all modern browsers and offers a smarter alternative to `:focus` for showing focus indicators. Unlike `:focus`, which always highlights the focused element regardless of context, `:focus-visible` uses browser heuristics to show focus styles only when appropriate — such as during keyboard or sequential navigation, but not when clicking with a mouse. The post clarifies that `:focus-visible` is not strictly a 'keyboard users only' feature; it also applies to assistive technologies like braille displays, switch controls, and other non-pointer input devices. It also notes that input modalities often overlap, and some users with low vision or cognitive disabilities benefit from visible focus even when using a mouse. The heuristics behind `:focus-visible` continue to evolve, making it a flexible and accessible-friendly tool for web developers.
