Apple users will soon have a simpler and more convenient way to interact with Siri, as the tech giant plans to change the virtual assistant’s wake word from “Hey Siri” to just “Siri” in the upcoming iOS 17 update. This shift, announced at the WWDC 2023 event, aims to streamline the process of summoning Siri across various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Find out all about it!
Can I Change My Siri Wake Word?
You will be able to change Siri wake word from Hey Siri to Siri but, as of now, there is no information on when this feature will be available. It could arrive with the new iOS beta update but there is no clear indication of the update arriving surely.
The decision to transition to a single wake word comes after reports last year indicated that Apple was exploring this change. By eliminating the need for the additional “Hey,” Apple seeks to make Siri more accessible and user-friendly. While using a two-word trigger phrase has its benefits in terms of engineering and training, a single wake word offers a more intuitive and seamless experience.
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Apple’s move aligns with the practices of other voice assistants. For instance, Amazon’s Alexa can be summoned with either “Hey Alexa” or simply “Alexa.” Microsoft’s Cortana also supported just the wake word “Cortana” before discontinuing its voice assistant on iOS and Android devices. Google Assistant, on the other hand, still relies on phrases like “Hey Google” or “OK Google” with no official way to change the wake word.
Other New and Exciting Features Arriving in iOS 17
In addition to the wake word change, iOS 17 introduces an array of exciting features and improvements. The update encompasses enhanced safety features, a built-in journaling app, a new nightstand mode, redesigned contact cards & their sharing, improved auto-correct, and voice transcription capabilities, and live voicemail. These additions aim to elevate the user experience, prioritize privacy, and empower users with a more intuitive and personalized digital environment.
As Apple continues to innovate and refine its products and services, the transition from “Hey Siri” to simply “Siri” serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to making technology more accessible and user-centric. With iOS 17 on the horizon, Apple users can look forward to an enhanced Siri experience and a seamless way to interact with their devices, just by uttering the familiar word, “Siri.”
Source: WWDC 2023
