Is Siri about to become more useful? That’s the hope Apple set out at its recent “Glowtime” event, where the tech giant unveiled its iPhone 16 lineup. These new iPhones are the first to feature AI-powered Siri improvements, thanks to Apple Intelligence and a new partnership with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT. This upgrade promises to reshape how users interact with their devices, transforming the iPhone from a handy pocket computer into a true AI-driven personal assistant.
While the full potential of Apple Intelligence Siri features won’t be fully realised immediately, exciting changes are on the horizon. Some of the most significant AI functionality in new iPhones includes the ability to type questions to Siri instead of speaking, along with Siri's natural conversation improvements, which allow for richer language understanding and smoother conversations. Additionally, users will be able to customise Siri’s wake word, a highly anticipated accessibility feature.
Related: Apple to Unveil iPhone 16 and AI Features at Glowtime Event
Apple is also introducing SiriKit for developers on iOS 18, allowing third-party apps to integrate Siri just as seamlessly as Apple’s own apps, such as Calendar, Mail, and Notes. This development opens the door for Apple Intelligence Siri features to be utilised across a wider range of applications, giving users more control and flexibility.
Even AirPods users will benefit from Siri improvements, gaining the ability to respond to Siri with simple head gestures like nodding or shaking their heads. Siri is also getting a visual overhaul in iOS 18, where the traditional glowing orb is being replaced with a vibrant, eye-catching illumination that lights up the edges of your device when Siri is activated.
Related: Apple to Unveil AI-Powered iPhone 16 on September 9
The real transformation will come with Siri's personal context understanding, which allows it to respond to more complex requests based on user behaviour and preferences. For example, you can ask Siri for detailed information about an upcoming meeting’s location and weather, or to send a draft email without needing additional input.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, described how Siri’s personal context understanding will make everyday tasks easier: “With Siri’s personal context, understanding, and action capabilities, you’ll be able to simply say, ‘Send Erica the photos from Saturday’s barbecue,’ and Siri will dig up the photos and send them right off.”
These Apple Intelligence beta release features will be available starting next month, with U.S. English as the initial language. Localised Siri updates for different countries like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. will follow, along with other languages like Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish later in 2024.
Related: Microsoft to Unveil ‘Next Phase of Copilot’ on September 16th
Apple is also rolling out new Siri photo editing features in iPhone 16 Pro, making it easier for photographers to find and edit images. You’ll be able to ask Siri to pull up specific photos from your library and even apply edits directly within apps like Darkroom. This marks another leap forward in making Siri a true assistant for creative professionals.
Perhaps the most exciting development is the OpenAI-powered Siri upgrades, which will allow users to ask Siri complex “world knowledge” questions. Instead of redirecting you to a web search, Siri will use ChatGPT’s AI to provide more accurate, context-based answers.
This partnership is a game-changer for Apple as it allows them to get ahead in the AI race while outsourcing some of the more challenging aspects of AI functionality to OpenAI. Apple has hinted that it may add more partners in the future to further enhance Siri’s capabilities.
Alongside Siri’s upgrades, Apple is introducing other AI-powered tools in Mail and Photos, including a new Clean Up tool in Photos, which will debut in the beta release next month. These features will also be available in Apple Intelligence beta release features across iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1.
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