Siri’s New Features May Include Adding Voice Controls to Apps

Apple is testing new options for its Siri assistant with standard apps — together with Uber, Fb and YouTube — that will make it potential to make use of third-party app options with voice instructions, in keeping with a report from Bloomberg. The testing is being performed with the purpose of releasing a revamped Siri within the spring of 2026 that makes use of Apple’s App Intents to increase what Siri can do exterior of Apple’s personal OS and first-party apps. As an example, folks may have the ability to publish Instagram feedback or make purchases utilizing solely their voice, one thing Siri cannot but do with most apps that Apple did not develop itself, in keeping with the report.A consultant for Apple didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.Apple confirmed off a demo of the sort of performance final yr, however the overhaul may not arrive till 2027. In accordance with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, there are some inside doubts amongst Apple engineers as as to whether the performance will work nicely sufficient, particularly in apps the place errors might be expensive or dangerous, similar to well being or banking apps. Gurman factors out that if the corporate will get it proper, it will be a serious characteristic that might give Apple, “a brand new, voice-first interface… it may probably be a success that many customers did not see coming,” he writes.Creeping competitionEven if Apple succeeds in revamping Siri with new options that prospects discover to be a giant enchancment, the corporate will likely be doing so underneath strain from rivals on the bogus intelligence entrance.”Apple ought to be frightened, and it seems they’re,” says Vikas Sharma, senior director of patent companies at Quandary Peak Analysis. “ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Alexa are all forward of Siri within the AI race.” Sharma expressed doubts {that a} spring 2026 launch would come with every part customers may anticipate from a serious Siri revamp. “At this level, there is not any replace on any thrilling upcoming capabilities, so the discharge might find yourself being incremental relatively than revolutionary,” Sharma says.But when Apple can work its magic and make good on among the options that it gave a glimpse of final yr, the consequences might be profound. “Think about reserving rides, flights, automobiles and motels seamlessly by means of third-party apps; ordering from Amazon; sharing information by means of Slack/e mail; or discovering emails with particular attachments, all by means of voice instructions,” says Sharma. “With these capabilities, Siri may change into a real AI assistant.’