Siri was introduced to the world in 2011 and has since become a staple of Apple devices.
First included on the iPhone 4S, Siri has been helping Apple users with their daily routines and has continued to feature on their flagship products. You may have heard of the term, or maybe even heard its familiar voice, but what is Siri and why is it useful? Keep reading on for our full breakdown.
What is Siri?
Siri is a virtual assistant that can be found across Apple’s devices and operating systems. Siri is voice-activated and works by recognising and responding to the user’s spoken prompts. For example, you can ask Siri for the time and it will be able to answer correctly.
Siri is powered by artificial intelligence and after continued use will adapt to individual user’s language and preferences and offer personalised results too.
What can Siri do?
As Siri can be found across all Apple devices, it can support a wide range of user commands. Siri can make calls, schedule calendar events, search the internet and send you directions through Maps. It can also control compatible smart home appliances through the Home app and log your workout with Fitness on the Apple Watch.
It’s not just Apple’s own apps that support Siri. In fact, since 2016, Apple has allowed third-party apps to use Siri, which includes messaging and internet calling apps, payment-taking and even ride-sharing.
What devices can use Siri?
Siri was first introduced by Apple back in 2011 and is now a big feature across most Apple devices. Siri can be found in the following:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Apple Watch
- AirPods
- HomePod
- Apple TV
- CarPlay
- MacBook
How can I access Siri?
On most Siri-supported devices, such as iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, you can get Siri’s attention by simply saying “Siri” or “Hey Siri” followed by your request or prompt. This is the easiest way to access Siri but you will need to ensure that this feature is enabled.
Most Apple devices also support alternative ways of getting Siri’s attention. For example, on AirPods you can either press and hold or double tap your AirPods (depending on the generation) to activate Siri without using a voice command.
For Apple Watch you can either use raise to speak, which works on Watch Series 3 and later, or press and hold the Digital Crown.
MacBooks also have a dedicated Siri button that can be found in either the top Menu bar or the Touch Bar.
