Significant Upgrades to Siri in Apple's iOS 18
With the latest developer preview of iOS 18, Apple has introduced major enhancements to Siri. This update not only improves Siri's language comprehension but also integrates a groundbreaking feature called Apple Intelligence, raising anticipation for the future of smartphone interactions.
A Revitalized Siri Experience
In iOS 18, when users activate Siri, the edges of their phone screen will illuminate, visually signaling Siri's presence. When Apple Intelligence is enabled, a welcoming interface will greet users, reintroducing the virtual assistant. Currently, this version of Apple Intelligence is available for developer testing exclusively on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
While comprehensive AI updates are still in development, Siri has shown marked improvements in understanding natural language, including the ability to grasp user queries even when hesitations or filler words like "um" are used, patiently waiting to comprehend subsequent requests.
Enhanced Text Interaction Features
Users can now engage in text-based interactions with Siri by double-tapping the bottom of the screen to open a new text box. This upgrade enhances Siri's flexibility in processing natural language, allowing better understanding of context-related follow-up questions. For instance, after asking about the weather, Siri can effectively address related inquiries.
Additional Features of Apple Intelligence
Beyond Siri, Apple Intelligence enhances various system functionalities. The Mail app now features a summary button that provides concise overviews for each email. Meanwhile, the new "Writing Tools" option will offer AI proofreading, writing suggestions, and summarization features during text input or highlighting. These tools are particularly valuable in the Notes app, where users can add voice recordings, which the system will automatically transcribe for easy list or summary creation.
Smarter Email and Photo Searches
In the Mail app, Apple Intelligence will mark important emails as priority and provide brief summaries. The Photos app now includes an AI search tool that can comprehend more complex natural language requests. For example, users can search for photos of specific people or look for images of food eaten in Iceland.
While Siri's visual enhancements are notable, its core functionalities remain intact. Future updates aim to allow Siri to perceive on-screen content and perform related actions, such as converting information into calendar events or extracting details from emails.
The suite of features from Apple Intelligence lays a strong foundation for a smarter Siri experience. As the understanding of email and photo content evolves, Siri will become increasingly adept at parsing human language. To maximize the potential of Apple Intelligence, Siri will need to seamlessly integrate these capabilities, delivering an enhanced user experience.