Apple is set to upgrade Siri with new features, bringing it in line with more advanced digital assistants through the integration of its generative AI, Apple Intelligence. Released with iOS 18.1, these updates aim to improve how Siri understands language, offers support, and interacts with users. Although some anticipated features, like integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and context-aware responses, are not yet available, Apple Intelligence represents a significant leap forward in Siri's functionality.
With Apple Intelligence, Siri now processes natural language better, making it easier for users to communicate without needing perfect phrasing. If a user starts to request one task and then changes their mind mid-sentence, Siri will adapt, processing requests like, “Set an alarm for, no, make that a 10-minute timer.” Additionally, Siri can handle follow-up questions without the need to repeat context. For example, if you ask Siri about the location of your next family reunion, you can simply ask, “What’s the weather like there?” and Siri will retain the location context.
Now, with the option to type directly to Siri, users have greater flexibility. By double-tapping a button on the screen, users can enter text requests, which is especially useful in quiet or noisy environments. This added feature is designed to accommodate different settings while ensuring clarity in requests.
Siri’s knowledge of Apple products has expanded, allowing it to assist with device-specific questions, such as guiding users on how to schedule a text message. This enhanced support saves users from navigating to settings or help pages, providing step-by-step guidance directly through Siri.
Apple Intelligence will soon bring more powerful features to Siri, such as integration with ChatGPT to generate answers for broader queries, like recipe suggestions based on specific ingredients. With user permission, Siri will automatically access ChatGPT without the need for a separate account.
Additionally, Siri will gain personal context awareness, allowing it to retrieve device-specific information, such as locating a recipe shared by a friend in a recent text or email. Siri will also be able to perform actions based on on-screen content, such as adding a new address sent in a message to a contact. Siri’s abilities across apps will extend further, allowing actions like enhancing a photo and sharing it via Messages, streamlining tasks across multiple applications.
