Pointer Gestures
All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures (pinch-to-zoom, swipe, drag) must also be operable with a single-pointer interaction.
What it requires
WCAG 2.5.1 covers users with motor impairments who cannot perform multi-finger or path-based gestures. Pinch-to-zoom on a product image must also be operable via tap-to-zoom buttons; swipe-only carousels must also have previous/next buttons.
The single-pointer alternative does not need to look identical — visible buttons that achieve the same outcome satisfy the criterion.
Common Shopify failure
Mobile product-image gallery that requires a pinch gesture to zoom — no zoom button. Swipe-only carousel on the homepage with no visible navigation arrows.
How to fix it
AccessComply patches gallery + carousel components to add visible button alternatives. Pinch-to-zoom gets a paired magnifier button; swipe-only carousels get prev/next arrows.
Primary source: W3C — WCAG 2.1 Understanding 2.5.1