Earlier this week, Apple rolled out the release candidate builds for iOS 18.3, indicating that a public update is imminent. This also suggests that the iOS 18.4 beta is on the horizon, which is expected to bring significant improvements to Siri through Apple Intelligence. Here’s what we anticipate with Siri in iOS 18.4.
Previous Enhancements in Siri for iOS 18
While numerous enhancements have been made to Siri in iOS 18, the highly anticipated “intelligent” functionalities have yet to be introduced. Here’s what has been accomplished so far:
- Quicker response times and improved language processing that accommodates speech errors.
- An entirely revamped design featuring smoother animations and a more streamlined interface.
- Option to type queries to Siri, enabling silent interactions.
- Enhanced Apple product knowledge to assist users with basic tech support.
- Integration with ChatGPT for addressing more complex real-world inquiries.
These enhancements are commendable, but they are only the beginning, and more advancements for Siri are anticipated from Apple.
What’s Upcoming in iOS 18.4
Assuming no last-minute setbacks occur, iOS 18.4 is set to unveil some of Apple’s significant commitments to Apple Intelligence and Siri. These enhancements will ideally elevate Siri’s capabilities, assuming Apple adheres to its promises.
Three key upgrades for Siri are expected in iOS 18.4: personal context, on-screen awareness, and the capacity to execute actions within apps. Below is Apple’s description of each feature:
Personal Context:
With awareness of your personal context, Siri is equipped to assist you in ways that are tailored specifically to you. Are you unsure whether a friend sent you that recipe via text, email, or a note? Need to recall your passport number while booking a flight? Siri can leverage its access to your device’s information to help you find it without invading your privacy.
On-screen Awareness:
Apple Intelligence enhances Siri with on-screen awareness, enabling it to comprehend and act upon elements displayed on your screen. If a friend texts you their new address, you can simply say, “Add this address to their contact card,” and Siri will handle it.
Taking Action in Apps:
Siri will enable seamless actions within and across applications. For instance, you could request, “Send the email I drafted to April and Lilly,” and Siri will know exactly which email you’re referring to and which application it’s located in. Furthermore, Siri can operate across various apps; for example, you could instruct Siri to enhance a photo and then ask it to save it in a specific note within the Notes app—all without lifting a finger.
With these three features, Siri is set to finally embody the concept of a personal assistant. Third-party applications will also gain the ability to support these functions, and many apps have been gradually introducing Siri integration since the launch of iOS 18 in September.
Future Siri Enhancements
While not explicitly confirmed, iOS 19 is expected to bring another significant upgrade to Siri, allowing for a more conversational experience akin to that of a chatbot like ChatGPT. Bloomberg reports that this capability won’t materialize until spring 2026, so it’s still a ways off.
The report indicates that ‘LLM Siri’ will facilitate “back-and-forth conversations” and handle more complex requests with greater efficiency.
Conclusion
While I’m not particularly fond of Apple announcing software features so far in advance of their public release, I can’t argue that it hasn’t been worth the wait. If Apple’s revamp of Siri meets its expected capabilities, it will undoubtedly be impressive.
The iOS 18.4 beta is likely to be released in the coming weeks, with a public roll-out anticipated in spring, around April.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Siri upgrades in iOS 18.4? Share your views in the comments.
Check out my favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:
Follow Michael on: X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram
FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More.
