After years of debate about Apple's lack of innovation when it comes to Siri, Apple has promised to launch a smarter version of its digital assistant. Siri is getting new features and updates with the release of iOS 18.1 with the addition of Apple Intelligence, the company's generative AI product.
It's worth noting that some of Siri's upcoming major updates, such as OpenAI's integration with ChatGPT and on-screen recognition, are not yet available in iOS 18.1.
With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, see what you can do with your improved digital assistant.
Improving language understanding
Apple is making it easier for people to communicate with Siri by giving the assistant a better understanding of natural language. If you stumble over words during a conversation with Siri, your assistant will be able to understand what you're saying. For example, you can say, “Siri, set an alarm. No, wait, set a timer for 10 minutes.” Actually make it five. ” Siri understands your question.
Plus, you can ask Siri follow-up questions without repeating the context. For example, if you ask Siri where the next family gathering will be held, Siri will tell you the location. Then you can ask, “What will the weather be like over there?” There is no need to say the name of the place.
Type in Siri
Image credit: Apple
Until now, communicating with Siri was only possible via voice. Apple Intelligence now lets you type into Siri when you don't want to say it out loud. Just double-tap a button on your iPhone or iPad's screen to ask Siri a question.
The Type to Siri option is useful if you're in a quiet environment and can't speak out loud. Or maybe you're in a noisy environment. As you type into Siri, your questions will be clearly understood.
Siri now has product knowledge
Siri now displays detailed information about Apple products and services, so if you have a question about your Apple device, you can ask Siri for help. This includes how to use the feature for the first time on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
For example, you can ask Siri how to schedule a text message to send at a later time. Siri will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Otherwise, if you want more information about your device, you need to go to the settings and go to the help page.
Coming soon
While the above features are expected to be released on Monday, Apple has promised to roll out additional features for Siri powered by Apple Intelligence.
Siri will be able to use OpenAI's ChatGPT to answer specific questions. For example, if you need recipe ideas for making meals using ingredients from your garden, you can ask Siri. Siri automatically feeds that information into ChatGPT and generates some options.
You don't need a ChatGPT account, but you do need to give Siri permission to access the service.
Siri will also quickly become aware of your personal context, allowing it to perform actions specific to you. Siri can use the information available on your device to find what you're looking for.
For example, if you can't remember whether your friend Alice shared a recipe with you via text message or email, you can ask Siri to “retrieve the recipe Alice sent me a few days ago.” Masu. Or, if you need to quickly find your passport number when booking a flight, you can ask Siri to retrieve your passport number from an email or image and automatically fill in the required fields.
Additionally, Siri will soon be able to understand what's on your screen and take actions based on what you're currently seeing on your device. For example, if a friend texts you a new address, you can tell Siri to add the address to your contact card.
Siri will now be able to perform actions within and across apps. You can now ask Siri to enhance photos in the Photos app and ask the digital assistant to send photos to specific people in Messages. Siri can perform actions independently in both apps, so you don't need to open another app or complete a task.