Apple Intelligence Transforms Siri: All the AI Features

Apple's latest update, iOS 18.1, introduces significant enhancements to Siri through its Apple Intelligence system, powered by advanced AI to make Siri more intuitive and effective. Here’s a breakdown of the major upgrades available with iOS 18.1 and what users can expect in future releases:

1. Enhanced Natural Language Understanding

Siri’s comprehension has vastly improved, allowing for smoother and more natural conversations. It can now handle complex or interrupted phrases. For example, you could say, “Siri, set an alarm for… oh wait, set a timer for 10 minutes. Actually, make that five.” Siri will interpret the intention accurately. Contextual awareness is also enhanced, so follow-up questions don’t require repetitive information. For instance, after asking, “Where is the family reunion?” you could follow up with, “What’s the weather like there?” without re-specifying the location.

2. Type to Siri

Apple Intelligence introduces a “Type to Siri” feature, making it possible to interact with Siri without speaking. This is especially useful in situations where talking aloud isn’t possible or convenient. By double-tapping the button, users can type out their requests, bringing the same functionality as voice commands but in a quiet mode.

‍

3. Expanded Product Knowledge

Siri now has deeper knowledge of Apple devices and services, acting as a built-in help guide. If a user needs instructions, such as how to schedule a text message or switch between light and dark mode, Siri provides step-by-step guidance. This enhancement helps users discover new features and navigate device settings quickly.

4. Advanced Control Over Apps

Siri’s capabilities now extend more deeply into Apple’s ecosystem of apps. It can perform tasks like renaming documents in Pages, closing tabs in Safari, or applying photo enhancements directly in Photos. Siri’s screen awareness allows it to recognize what’s currently displayed, so users can interact more naturally. For instance, if viewing a friend’s address card, saying “add this address to my contacts” prompts Siri to complete the action without further clarification.

5. Personal Context Awareness (Coming Soon)

Soon, Siri will be able to pull information unique to the user’s needs. It could retrieve details from past conversations, like a recipe your friend shared, or locate essential information, such as passport numbers, from your photos or emails. Siri will also be able to take action based on what’s currently on-screen—for instance, saving a new address shared in a message directly to the contact’s card.

6. Integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT (Coming Soon)

Apple plans to integrate Siri with OpenAI’s ChatGPT for specific queries, such as recipe ideas based on available ingredients. Siri will seamlessly use ChatGPT’s capabilities to answer questions, without requiring users to sign up for a ChatGPT account, though permissions will be necessary. This adds an additional layer of versatility to Siri’s responses, making it a more dynamic assistant.

7. More Personalized Actions Across Apps

Future Siri enhancements will allow users to conduct actions across multiple apps. Siri can, for example, enhance a photo in Photos, then send it via Messages, all from a single command. It’s a time-saving feature that reduces the need for app-switching, making Siri a central hub for tasks.

8. Visual Cues for Siri Activation

To signal that Siri is listening, a glow will appear around the screen’s edges. This visual confirmation provides clarity that Siri is actively engaged in the task, enhancing the user experience.

Device Compatibility

The new Siri features powered by Apple Intelligence are available on the following devices:

• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 16
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 Pro Max

These models are equipped with the necessary hardware to support the advanced AI capabilities introduced in iOS 18.1.

‍

In Summary

These updates represent Apple’s most substantial Siri upgrade to date. With more intuitive interactions, in-app control, improved personalization, and eventual integration with ChatGPT, Siri is transforming into a proactive assistant capable of meeting users' needs in a smoother and more contextual way. These changes make Siri a truly advanced AI companion, putting Apple in closer competition with the intelligent assistants from other tech giants.