I found seven NEW Siri tricks you’ve never seen on your iPhone – and they’re all game-changers
YOUR iPhone is getting an upgrade that will unleash a host of new Siri tricks, making the virtual assistant smarter than ever.
The updates will arrive soon via Apple’s new operating system, iOS 16, which was flaunted for the first time at a WWDC keynote earlier this month.
When it hits devices in autumn this year, it’ll bring with it a slew of fresh Siri capabilities for iPhone owners, which will make the iPhone even easier to handle.
While users will have to wait until then to make use of these new features, reports from people who've downloaded the iOS 16 developer beta have unveiled what we can expect from the updated software.
Where it’s helping you use your iPhone more efficiently, enabling shortcuts or improving dictation, here are seven new Siri tricks coming soon to an iPhone near you.
1. Dictate emojis during message composing
Improved dictation features in iOS 16 will see Siri able to turn voice commands into emojis during the composing of messages.
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For example, say “aubergine emoji” and the symbol will magically appear, unlike previously when it would cause the virtual assistant some confusion.
Working in both Messages and Mail apps, the new feature will be joined by an ability to automatically insert punctuation, inserting full stops at the end of sentences as you dictate messages.
2. Use Siri to run shortcuts immediately
Another big upgrade Siri will receive is the ability to run shortcuts for an app using Siri voice commands as soon as it is installed, eliminating the need for users to set up those shortcuts in iOS 16.
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For example, if you want to reorder a meal for delivery via a specific food delivery app, you could simply ask Siri to "reorder pickup” at the app in question, and the digital assistant will offer up a summary of the order to get your final approval.
3. Improved transparency of what Siri can do
In previous versions of Apple's iOS, it wasn’t always clear what exactly Siri was capable of. You’d have to find out by asking away and hoping for the best.
iOS 16 resolves this issue. Now, if you want to know more about what Siri can do on your iPhone within apps, you can just ask "Hey Siri, what can I do here?" or ask about a specific app, such as "Hey Siri, what can I do with [app name]?" to get a list of possible actions.
4. Control more things with Siri offline
In recent releases of iOS, iPhones have been increasingly capable of powering Siri without the need for an internet connection, such as setting alarms and launching apps.
That offline functionality is expanded further with iOS 16, with Siri now able to process requests for smarthome devices via HomeKit, power intercom features and launch voicemail and notifications, all offline.
Although note that only iPhone XS or later will support these features.
5. More efficient texting
An ‘Automatically Send Messages toggle’ will be available in the Siri & Search settings of iOS 16.
This means you’ll be abl to quickly send text via voice control without the digital assistant asking you to confirm it first.
6. New Pause Time feature
More of a hidden new iOS 16 feature that only more inquisitive users might stumble across is the addition of a Siri pause time feature.
This will allow you to adjust the time that the assistant takes before responding to what you're saying and is great forthose who feel a little rushed when issuing their commands to Siri.
7. Hang up a call, hands-free
Until now, Siri could only offer to pick up the phone for you when receiving incoming calls. When it came to hanging up, you were on your own.
That’s all changed in iOS 16, where you’ll be able to ask the smart assistant to hang up on either phone calls or FaceTime sessions.
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You'll be able to download iOS 16 in public beta from July.
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And the full release is likely set for September alongside the iPhone 14.
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