iPadOS 16: What’s New with Siri?
iPadOS 16 brings Siri a handful of meaningful upgrades, most notably the ability to run Siri actions inside third-party apps without opening them, and a redesigned Siri voice that sounds more natural. The update also makes Siri more context-aware on iPad, with better dictation and the ability to insert inline text while typing. Here’s a detailed look at what changed and how it affects your daily iPad use.
Background: Siri’s Evolution on iPad
Siri arrived on iPad in 2011 with iOS 5, but for years it was a simple voice assistant that could set timers, send messages, and answer trivia. Over time, Apple added Siri Shortcuts, on-device processing, and a more compact interface. iPadOS 16 (released in September 2022) continues that trend, focusing on making Siri more useful in a multitasking environment. The update was part of Apple’s push to make the iPad more of a laptop replacement, and Siri’s improvements reflect that—more actions, less friction.
What’s New in iPadOS 16 for Siri
The headline change is that Siri can now run actions inside third-party apps without opening them. For example, you can say “Hey Siri, send a message to John on WhatsApp� and Siri will send it directly, even if WhatsApp isn’t open. This works because of the App Intents framework, which lets developers expose specific actions to Siri. Other notable additions:
- New Siri voice: Apple introduced a new default voice that sounds more natural and less robotic, with improved intonation and pacing.
- Inline dictation: You can now use Siri to dictate text directly into any text field, and it will insert the text inline, rather than replacing what you’ve already typed. This is especially useful for editing on the iPad.
- Better context awareness: Siri can now understand when you’re referring to something on the screen. For instance, if you’re looking at a photo, you can say “Hey Siri, send this to Mom� and it will attach the photo.
- Improved on-device processing: More requests are handled entirely on the iPad, which speeds up responses and improves privacy.
- Voice isolation for Siri: On iPad Pro models, Siri can use the microphone array to better isolate your voice, especially in noisy environments.
How It Works: App Intents and the New Siri Experience
The key technology behind Siri’s new capabilities is App Intents, a framework introduced at WWDC 2022. Developers can define “intents� that describe what actions their app can perform. Siri then uses these intents to execute actions directly, without launching the app. For example, a note-taking app might define an intent called “create note� that accepts a title and body. When you say “Hey Siri, create a note in [App Name] titled ‘Groceries’ with ‘Milk, eggs, bread’,� Siri calls that intent and the note is created in the background. The same mechanism powers the new inline dictation—Siri’s speech recognition is now integrated with the system keyboard, so it can insert text at the cursor position.
For the user, this means fewer interruptions. You don’t have to wait for an app to open, and you don’t have to tap a confirmation button. Siri simply does the task and shows a small notification. This is a significant shift from earlier versions, where Siri would often open the app to complete a request.
How to Use the New Siri Features
Most of the new features work automatically after updating to iPadOS 16. However, there are a few settings you can tweak:
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
- Make sure “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’� is enabled if you want hands-free use.
- Under “Siri Voice,� you can choose the new voice (it’s the default, but you can switch back to an older one if you prefer).
- For inline dictation, just tap the microphone icon on the keyboard and start speaking—Siri will insert text at the cursor.
- To use App Intents, you need apps that have been updated to support them. Check the App Store for updates to your favorite apps.
Common Problems and Fixes
Some users report that Siri doesn’t always understand requests for third-party apps. This usually happens because the app hasn’t updated to support App Intents, or because the action isn’t defined. If Siri doesn’t work, try these steps:
- Update the app to the latest version.
- Check the app’s documentation for supported Siri commands.
- Restart your iPad to clear any glitches.
- If inline dictation doesn’t work, make sure you’re using the on-screen keyboard and not a physical keyboard (physical keyboards may have a different dictation shortcut).
- If Siri is slow, check your internet connection—some requests still need to go to Apple’s servers, despite on-device processing.
Comparison: Siri on iPadOS 16 vs. Earlier Versions
Compared to iPadOS 15, Siri in iPadOS 16 is faster and more capable. The biggest difference is the ability to run actions without opening apps—in iPadOS 15, Siri would often open the app to complete a request. The new voice is also a noticeable improvement; it sounds more human and less monotone. Inline dictation is a game-changer for productivity, as it allows you to edit text without retyping. On the other hand, some features like Siri’s ability to understand on-screen content were already present in iPadOS 15, but they’re more refined now. Overall, the update makes Siri feel like a more integral part of the iPad experience, rather than a separate feature.
Limitations and Privacy Considerations
While Siri’s new capabilities are impressive, there are limitations. App Intents only work with apps that have adopted the framework, so not every third-party app supports them. Also, Siri still can’t perform complex multi-step tasks without a shortcut. For privacy, Apple emphasizes that on-device processing means your requests aren’t sent to Apple’s servers for many tasks. However, some requests (like web searches) still require server processing, and Apple says it uses random identifiers to protect your privacy. You can control Siri’s data by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and turning off “Improve Siri & Dictation.�
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Siri work offline on iPadOS 16?
Yes, many Siri features work offline, including setting timers, opening apps, and controlling device settings. However, requests that require internet data, like weather or web searches, need a connection. Apple has been expanding on-device processing, but not everything is offline yet.
Can I change Siri’s voice in iPadOS 16?
Yes. Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice and choose from the available voices. The new default voice is more natural, but you can select a different one if you prefer.
Why doesn’t Siri work with my favorite app?
Most likely, the app hasn’t updated to support App Intents. Developers need to adopt the framework for Siri to run actions without opening the app. Check the App Store for updates, or contact the developer to request support.
How do I use inline dictation?
Place the cursor where you want to insert text, then tap the microphone icon on the on-screen keyboard. Speak, and Siri will insert the text at the cursor. This works in any text field, including notes, messages, and Safari’s address bar.
Is Siri more private in iPadOS 16?
Yes, because more processing is done on-device. For example, dictation is processed locally, so your spoken words don’t leave your iPad. Apple also uses random identifiers for server requests to avoid linking them to you.
Can Siri control HomeKit devices with the new update?
Yes, Siri can control HomeKit devices just like before, and the new on-device processing makes it faster. You can also create scenes and automations with Siri, though complex automations are still best set up in the Home app.
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