The release of iOS 18.2 brings a variety of notable updates, including some minor enhancements that might have gone unnoticed. One such feature is a quicker way to interact with Siri or ChatGPT. Here’s how it works.
New Type to Siri Option for iPhone’s Action Button
Siri is gradually evolving, starting with its redesign in iOS 18.1 and continuing with enhancements in iOS 18.2, including support for ChatGPT.
A recent addition is an easy-to-use messaging mode known as Type to Siri.
For devices running iOS 18.1 or newer, you can activate this feature by double-tapping the bar located at the bottom of your iPhone or iPad screen.
However, with iOS 18.2, a swifter method is introduced via a new system control.
One significant feature added to the Control Center in iOS 18.2 is the Type to Siri control.
In my experience, the most efficient way to utilize this control is through the iPhone’s Action Button.
By configuring your Action Button to access the new Type to Siri control, you can enter messaging mode more rapidly and effortlessly type your requests for Siri or ChatGPT.
Follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Select Action Button
- Choose the Controls option
- Opt for Type to Siri from the list
Additional Ways to Access Messaging Mode with Siri and ChatGPT in iOS 18.2
If you’d prefer not to alter your existing Action Button functionality, there is another option.
The new controls system in iOS 18 provides the flexibility to add Type to Siri directly on your Lock Screen, replacing either the Flashlight or Camera button. This can be accomplished through the wallpaper or Lock Screen editing interface.
In the past, you could enable typing mode under the iPhone’s Accessibility settings, but this often made voice interactions more cumbersome.
Now that there’s a dedicated control for Type to Siri, it can be utilized with the built-in double-tap gesture, along with the Action Button, Lock Screen, and of course, the Control Center.
Pro tip: Type to Siri performs optimally when paired with keyboard text replacements. For instance, you can configure a text replacement that quickly inputs the ‘ask ChatGPT’ prefix, directing your request straight to OpenAI’s assistant.
Have you had much experience using Type to Siri in iOS 18.1 or 18.2? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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