Siri got a refresh in iOS 18. Instead of the old floating orb, there’s now a bright, colorful glow around the edge of your device. This change hints at Siri being enhanced by Apple Intelligence. However, the most exciting AI features for Siri are still on the way in future updates.
Apple has introduced 13 new Siri features in iOS 18. Some of these are already live, but many may not feel fully unleashed yet.
One of the notable updates is the ability for Siri to pass requests to ChatGPT. While I enjoy using ChatGPT, it’s not my first choice for interacting with Siri.
Here are 10 new features Siri offers in iOS 18:
More Resilient Request Handling
- Siri understands if you stumble over your words or change your mind. For instance, you might say, “Siri, set an alarm—no wait, a timer for 10 minutes—actually, let’s make that 15.” Siri will adapt without needing a new command.
Maintains Conversational Context
Siri can recall recent queries to assist with follow-ups. For example, if you ask, “When are the Warriors playing next?” and then say, “Add that to my calendar,” Siri knows what you mean by “that.”
Glowing Edge Light
When you talk to Siri, a glowing light appears around the screen. This cool effect moves with your voice and lets you scroll or type while interacting with Siri.
Predictive Text in Siri Keyboard
As you type your requests, a predictive text feature helps you finish faster, tailored to speed up your Siri chats.
More Natural Voice
Siri now sounds more lifelike and expressive. Its voice is generated on your device using upgraded language models from Apple Intelligence.
Product Knowledge
Siri can answer thousands of questions about Apple products by using Apple’s support documents and language models.
Type to Siri
You can type commands to Siri at any time. All voice interactions can be input as text, and you can switch easily between the two methods.
Suggestions in Siri Keyboard
Siri now suggests quick actions above the keyboard for easier access to common tasks.
More Visually Rich Responses
Siri’s answers have a refreshed look that matches the app design they come from. For example, weather info will appear like it’s from the Weather app.
ChatGPT Integration
Siri can use ChatGPT for certain requests, deciding when it might help improve the response. For example, you can ask about documents and more. Siri will always check with you before using ChatGPT, presenting the answers in a smooth way.
If Siri feels almost the same in iOS 18, it’s because crucial upgrades are still in the works.
Some of the more advanced features were expected to appear in iOS 18.4 beta but might now be pushed to iOS 18.5. Here are three important upgrades coming for Siri:
Personal Context Understanding
With Apple Intelligence, Siri will learn to understand your emails, texts, photos, and events. This means Siri can give you personalized answers. For example, if you ask, “What movie did Jamie mention?” Siri could find that information in a past message.
Onscreen Awareness
Siri can comprehend what’s on your screen and interact with it. So, if you get a text about a new café, you can ask, “How long does it take to walk there from home?” and Siri will help based on the message.
In-App Actions
Siri can do many new tasks across different apps. For example: while editing a photo, you can say, “Make this photo warmer.” Or, after editing, you can say, “Add this to my ratatouille recipe note,” and Siri will move between the apps for you.
9to5Mac’s Take
We’ll soon see which features make it into iOS 18.4 beta. But we also wonder how well they will work.
This moment feels crucial for Siri, with upcoming features showing how Apple can utilize AI effectively.
These features are unique to Apple, not just because of its technology, but because Apple controls the platform.
Apple must finalize these significant features soon, especially with WWDC 2025 fast approaching.
Siri has the potential to be the best voice assistant on the iPhone, thanks to its deep integration with the device and OS.
However, if Siri falls behind, there could be calls for Apple to allow other voice assistants on iOS. Without strong AI integration, the appeal of the iPhone might fade for those who prioritize a powerful voice assistant.
Simple access to ChatGPT won’t cut it. In the long run, users may prefer standalone devices that focus on AI over iPhones with limited voice assistant capabilities.
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