Apple is set to unveil significant AI enhancements with iOS 18.4, focusing heavily on elevating Siri’s capabilities. However, I am particularly eager to experience these advancements on the Vision Pro. Here’s why.
A New Era for Siri Brings Innovative Changes
Siri is currently undergoing a transformative phase. Apple has declared that we have entered “a new era” for Siri, but the evolution is an ongoing process.
- iOS 18.1 introduced a redesigned Siri along with minor enhancements
- iOS 18.2 incorporated robust ChatGPT integration
- but it’s with iOS 18.4 that major upgrades will truly manifest
Thus far, the integration of ChatGPT has undeniably been the highlight of this new phase for Siri.
Yet, the necessity for Apple to incorporate OpenAI’s chatbot only underscores some of Siri’s existing limitations.
Fortunately, many of these limitations are poised to be mitigated with the upcoming iOS 18.4 update.
Three Exciting Siri Features Coming with iOS 18.4
iOS 18.4 is scheduled for full release in April, with a beta version likely launching as soon as next month.
Upon its release, Siri will acquire three impressive new capabilities:
- Additional app functionalities: Apple asserts that Siri will perform hundreds of new commands across native apps without ever needing to open them. Supported third-party apps will also benefit from App Intents.
- Enhanced contextual understanding: Mimicking a real assistant, Siri will be able to reference received messages, previous calendar events, and other personal information, delivering genuinely intelligent assistance.
- Onscreen interaction: Siri will recognize what’s displayed, allowing you to request actions on whatever you’re currently viewing.
Should these features perform as intended—with the reliability we all hope for (and I admit I’m a bit skeptical)—they could revolutionize user experience.
Siri could finally evolve into the intelligent assistant it was always designed to be.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the Vision Pro, where Siri’s enhancements could be particularly compelling.
Spatial Computing Excels with an Optimized Siri
I am relatively new to the Vision Pro; I’ve owned it for less than a month and haven’t extensively used it due to holiday commitments and a busy schedule.
But one key insight I’ve gained is the crucial role Siri plays within the ecosystem.
Spatial computing elevates the importance of voice interaction significantly.
On my iPhone and iPad, which are my primary devices, I regularly use Siri but don’t heavily rely on it.
Siri is handy for quickly starting timers, setting reminders, and other minor tasks.
However, with the Vision Pro, I find myself depending on Siri for a broader range of tasks.
For instance, I prefer using Siri to launch apps in visionOS.
Perhaps it’s simply part of my adjustment to visionOS, but I discover it to be quicker and more intuitive to navigate the system via Siri.
While Siri isn’t my method of opening apps on other devices, it works remarkably well on the Vision Pro.
I also use Siri for dictating responses in Messages and Mail. Even with a Bluetooth keyboard connected, dictating feels much more natural.
The Transformative Potential of iOS 18.4 on Vision Pro
Currently, Apple Intelligence is not available on Vision Pro, but it is expected to arrive later this year.
Imagine how iOS 18.4’s Siri features could enhance the Vision Pro experience.
When Siri is capable of executing hundreds of advanced app actions while understanding your context and what you’re viewing, spatial computing can genuinely begin to fulfill its futuristic promise.
The enhancements to Siri will benefit the iPhone, but they could be pivotal for the success of Apple’s venture into spatial computing.
The vision of simply speaking to your computer and having it intelligently respond is becoming increasingly tangible.
Do you utilize Siri frequently on the Vision Pro? What are your thoughts on the upcoming iOS 18.4 enhancements for visionOS? Share your opinions in the comments.
Top Accessories for Vision Pro
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
