One of the most noticeable updates to Siri in iOS 18 is its redesigned interface. The previous floating orb has been substituted with a vibrant rainbow glow surrounding the device’s edges, indicating that Siri is now driven by Apple Intelligence. However, the most significant AI enhancements for Siri are yet to be introduced, and that is expected to change in the coming iOS 18 updates.
Apple has identified 13 new Siri features in iOS 18. While most of these have been implemented, it may still feel as though the major Siri update for iOS 18 is yet to arrive.
This perception could stem from the fact that the most prominent AI-related feature released thus far is Siri’s ability to delegate requests to ChatGPT. Although I actively utilize ChatGPT, I typically do not consider Siri among my preferred methods of interacting with it.
Here are the 10 new Siri features that have been incorporated into iOS 18 thus far:
Enhanced Request Handling
If you fumble your words or change your mind while speaking, Siri will still keep up.
For instance, you might say:
“Siri, set an alarm—oh wait, I meant to say a timer for 10 minutes—actually, let’s adjust that to 15.”
Siri will modify the command accordingly without requiring a new instruction.
Maintains Context in Conversations
Siri retains recent queries to facilitate smoother follow-up interactions.
For example, if you ask, “When do the Warriors play next?” and then say, “Put that on my calendar,” Siri will correctly interpret what “that” refers to.
Glowing Edge Light
A new glowing edge effect appears around the display when you communicate with Siri. This dynamic animation reacts to your voice, allowing you to continue scrolling, typing, or navigating your device while interacting with Siri.
Predictive Text in Siri Keyboard
As you type a request to Siri, predictive text will assist in completing your request more quickly. This feature is specifically designed to accelerate interactions with Siri.
More Natural Vocalization
Siri now delivers a more natural, expressive, and clear voice, synthesized entirely on-device using advanced language models from Apple Intelligence.
Understanding of Product Knowledge
Siri is now equipped to answer thousands of inquiries about Apple products, referring to support documentation and large language models for accuracy.
Type to Siri
Now, you can type requests to Siri at any moment. All commands available via voice can also be entered as text, enabling seamless transitions between typing and speaking.
Suggestions in Siri Keyboard
Siri now displays suggested requests above the keyboard, providing rapid access to common tasks.
Visually Richer Responses
Responses from Siri are now designed to align visually with the app they relate to; for instance, inquiring about the weather will yield a response fitting the aesthetics of the Weather app.
ChatGPT Integration
Siri can utilize ChatGPT for specific inquiries when it recognizes that ChatGPT might offer a more valuable response.
Moreover, you can request information about photos, documents (including PDFs and presentations), and more. Siri will always confirm before forwarding any data to ChatGPT and will then deliver the response in a seamless format.
If it seems like Siri hasn’t substantially changed in iOS 18, it’s because the three most significant upgrades are still under development.
While we expected these features to be included in the iOS 18.4 beta, reports suggest that some might be deferred until the release of iOS 18.5.
Nonetheless, here are the three major Siri features still pending for iOS 18:
Understanding Personal Context
With the on-device semantic index powered by Apple Intelligence, Siri can grasp information from emails, texts, photos, calendar events, and files. This enhances Siri’s ability to provide personalized responses.
For instance, if you ask, “What was that movie Jamie recommended to me?” Siri will locate the relevant message from the previous week. Similarly, when you say, “Insert my passport number here,” Siri could identify the number from a saved passport photo and incorporate it.
Awareness of On-screen Content
Siri now has the capability to comprehend and interact with what is displayed on your screen. If a friend messages you about a new coffee shop nearby, you can simply ask, “How long will it take me to walk there from home?” and Siri will accurately respond based on the message’s content.
New In-App Actions
Siri can execute hundreds of new functions across both first- and third-party applications.
• While modifying a photo, you might say, “Make this photo warmer,” and Siri will adjust the settings in the Photos app.
• Siri can also transition between apps; for instance, after editing, you can say, “Add this to my ratatouille recipe note,” and Siri will smoothly switch from Photos to Notes to fulfill your request.
Insights from DMN
Which of these features might make their debut in the iOS 18.4 beta? We will know soon, but their effectiveness remains a crucial aspect to consider.
This moment feels pivotal for Siri, and the three features yet to be introduced are critical indicators of Apple’s capacity to integrate AI into Siri.
These remaining Siri functionalities represent applications of AI that only Apple can offer — not merely due to their AI expertise, but because of their unique position as the platform provider.
Apple must finalize these ambitious features before laying out any major commitments regarding Siri and Apple Intelligence for iOS 19. With WWDC 2025 approaching in less than four months, it’s crucial they deliver.
Siri ought to stand as the premier voice assistant on the iPhone.
As it stands, it is the only assistant that benefits from profound integration with the operating system and devices. This only strengthens Apple’s case to be a leader in AI, moving beyond simply being a platform for emerging technologies.
If Siri fails to keep pace, calls for Apple to support changes to the default voice assistant and enable competing assistants to integrate more deeply with iOS could intensify. Otherwise, stand-alone AI devices may find justification for their existence.
Merely limited integration via temporary ChatGPT requests isn’t sufficient. Over time, the iPhone could lose its appeal to users who prioritize access to the best AI-enhanced voice assistant over the appeal of blue iMessage bubbles.
