iOS 18.2 introduces a substantial array of both significant and minor updates. Among these is a lesser-known feature that streamlines the process of messaging Siri or ChatGPT. Here’s how to utilize it effectively.
New Type to Siri Control for iPhone’s Action Button
Siri is in the midst of a progressive evolution. This began with a redesign in iOS 18.1 and further improvements, culminating in the addition of ChatGPT support in iOS 18.2.
A recent enhancement is the addition of a handy messaging feature: Type to Siri.
In iOS 18.1 and later, you can activate this feature by double-tapping the bar located at the bottom of your iPhone or iPad’s display.
However, in iOS 18.2, a more efficient method has been introduced through a new system control.
Control Center has gained a significant update in iOS 18.2: the Type to Siri control.
Based on my experience, the optimal way to utilize this control is via the iPhone’s Action Button.
By configuring your Action Button to utilize the new Type to Siri control, you can access messaging mode more swiftly and submit your requests to Siri or ChatGPT effortlessly.
Follow these steps to set it up:
- Launch the Settings app
- Navigate to Action Button
- Select the Controls option
- Then, choose Type to Siri from the list
Additional Ways to Activate Messaging Mode with Siri and ChatGPT in iOS 18.2
If you prefer not to alter the current behavior of your Action Button, there is another option.
Thanks to the flexibility within iOS 18’s new control system, you can also add Type to Siri to your Lock Screen, substituting either the Flashlight or Camera button. This can be done in the wallpaper/Lock Screen editing mode.
While you have always been able to enable typing mode through the iPhone’s Accessibility settings, this used to complicate voice interactions.
With the introduction of a dedicated Type to Siri control, you can now leverage the new feature not only via the double-tap gesture but also through the Action Button, Lock Screen, and Control Center.
Pro tip: Type to Siri functions exceptionally well when paired with keyboard text replacements. For instance, create a text replacement to swiftly enter the ‘ask ChatGPT’ prefix, directing your request straight to OpenAI’s assistant.
Have you experimented with Type to Siri in iOS 18.1 or 18.2? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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