If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 model, you can access Apple Intelligence when updating to iOS 18.1. This includes a new look for Siri, featuring a stunning edge-lit animation.
However, the new animation does not indicate that Siri’s intelligence or capabilities have significantly improved. Here’s a detailed overview of the new features and what improvements are still forthcoming.
Updates to Siri are part of the Apple Intelligence rollout, which is available on supported iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices running the latest operating system version. In the current iOS 18.1 release, the device language must be set to US English to access these features. Support for additional English locales is expected in iOS 18.2, with more international languages following in 2025.
If Apple Intelligence is not activated on a supported device, Siri will retain its old orb-like appearance. Users with Apple Intelligence enabled will enjoy an eye-catching new design with an edge-lit animation that responds to vocal inputs.
What’s New in Siri Right Now
The new design is the primary upgrade available to customers currently; however, a few behavioral changes have also been introduced. First, you can now double-tap on the home indicator to launch the Siri interface with a keyboard, allowing for a smoother “Type to Siri” experience in situations where speaking is less convenient. Additionally, Apple Intelligence has enhanced the voice synthesis engine to provide a more natural sound.
Secondly, Siri has improved capabilities in understanding garbled or mis-spoken queries. For example, if you inadvertently fumble over your words, Siri is programmed to be less confused and more attuned to your actual intent. So if you say, “What’s the weather in Spain, no I mean France?” you should receive results for France.
Thirdly, Siri demonstrates better knowledge of the user manuals for Apple’s products. With Apple Intelligence, you can ask Siri questions about your device, and it can present a list of steps based on Apple’s official documentation.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial not to assume that the new Siri design means you can now ask a broader range of questions that were previously unanswerable. Aside from how-to tutorials regarding Apple’s products, Siri is yet to be significantly smarter.
When to Expect Siri to Improve
The first major enhancements to Siri are anticipated with the release of iOS 18.2, scheduled for December. With this update, users will be able to enable ChatGPT integration at a system level. This means that Siri may consult ChatGPT for answers it doesn’t have, potentially enhancing its ability to handle trivia and general knowledge requests. Notably, a paid account is unnecessary for the ChatGPT integration in iOS 18.2, but users must opt in.
A more significant leap in Siri’s capabilities is rumored to arrive in iOS 18.4, expected around spring. This update will allow Siri to leverage personal context from device data to address new types of inquiries. For instance, it could understand questions like, “When is my flight?” or, “What book did Jane recommend?” based on your messages and calendar.
Additionally, iOS 18.4 will equip Siri with various new in-app actions and improved on-screen awareness. This means Siri will be able to execute more tasks; for example, if you’re viewing an image in Photos and ask it to “make it pop,” Siri will trigger corresponding photo editing actions automatically.
Furthermore, when discussing group activities in Messages, you could say “call the restaurant,” prompting Siri to extract the relevant phone number and initiate the call for you.
Conclusion
Apple’s marketing strategy may not have accurately set public expectations, as demonstrated by one of the first Apple Intelligence ads showcasing Siri functionalities that won’t be available until next year.
There is a strong argument that Apple should have delayed the noticeable redesign until the significant new functionalities were also ready for release. The introduction of Type to Siri, with its empty text field, inadvertently encourages users to interact as if it were a chatbot, while Siri’s capabilities do not yet support this form of interaction.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Siri Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning, and welcome to another segment of our tech insights series! Today, we’re diving into Apple’s latest updates to Siri with a leading expert in voice recognition technology, Dr. Emily Hart. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hart.
Dr. Emily Hart: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss these exciting developments.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. The recent update, iOS 18.1, features a refreshed look for Siri, complete with an eye-catching edge-lit animation. What do you think about the visual upgrade?
Dr. Hart: The new design certainly adds a modern flair to Siri, which can enhance user experience. A visually pleasing interface can make interactions smoother and more engaging. However, it’s essential to remember that aesthetics alone don’t boost functionality.
Editor: Exactly. Many users are under the impression that this redesign indicates greater intelligence. You mentioned functionality; what improvements in Siri’s capabilities can we expect with this latest update?
Dr. Hart: In iOS 18.1, users can now utilize a “Type to Siri” feature by double-tapping the home indicator. This is particularly useful for those who prefer not to speak. Additionally, Apple has refined Siri’s voice synthesis engine, which sounds more natural. There are also enhancements in understanding mispronounced queries—Siri is better at deciphering what users mean, even when their speech is unclear.
Editor: That’s fascinating! So, while the design is fresh, the underlying intelligence hasn’t experienced a significant leap just yet. What are some expectations users should have for the upcoming iOS 18.2?
Dr. Hart: iOS 18.2 promises to incorporate ChatGPT integration at a system level, which is a game changer for Siri. This means that, for questions Siri can’t answer, it may leverage ChatGPT’s capabilities, improving its handling of trivia and more complex inquiries. Plus, you don’t need a paid account to access this—users simply need to opt in.
Editor: That sounds like a step toward making Siri a more valuable assistant! Beyond that, what should users keep an eye on for future updates, such as the rumored iOS 18.4?
Dr. Hart: iOS 18.4 is anticipated to bring even bigger enhancements, allowing Siri to draw from personal context, utilizing data from the user’s device. This could truly elevate Siri’s ability to provide tailored responses based on individual user behavior and preferences.
Editor: It’s exciting to see how personal AI assistants like Siri are evolving. Given this trajectory, what do you see as the future of voice assistants in general?
Dr. Hart: Voice assistants are moving towards creating more contextual and personalized experiences. In the long run, I envision a world where these assistants become seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, providing relevant information at the right moment and being able to understand our intentions more accurately. That said, privacy considerations will be crucial as these technologies develop.
Editor: A valid point! Balancing technology with user privacy will certainly be a challenge. As we wrap up, any final thoughts for our readers awaiting these updates?
Dr. Hart: Stay patient and keep exploring the features available to you now. The future of Siri is promising, and upcoming updates like iOS 18.2 and 18.4 will likely reshape how we interact with our devices and each other through technology.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart, for sharing your insights! I know our readers will be eager to see how Siri continues to evolve. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Hart: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Be sure to stay updated with more tech news as we continue to follow these advancements in artificial intelligence.