By Tim Hardwick
With Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.1, communicating with Siri is more flexible because you can easily type your requests instead of speaking them. It's a subtle but powerful change that's perfect for those moments when you need to be quiet or discreet.
Enabling Type to Siri is easy. Go to Settings -> Apple Intelligence & Siri, tap Type to Siri, and make sure Type to Siri is turned on. Once enabled, you can bring up the typing interface with a quick double-tap on the bottom edge of your iPhone display.
The typing interface includes suggested queries to help you get started, and you can type almost anything you would normally say to Siri. Just type your query and tap the up arrow to send. Siri will respond just as it would with a voice command, maintaining context between messages for natural communication.
- Does my device support Apple Intelligence?
This text interaction is especially useful during meetings or in quiet places, when you’re in a noisy environment where Siri may have difficulty hearing you, or if you prefer to type rather than speak for more precise queries. It can also help when you want to maintain privacy in public places.
This feature integrates seamlessly with Siri’s expanded knowledge base in iOS 18.1, including support for Apple products and navigation through Settings. You can even use natural language to search for settings if you're unsure of their exact names.
Whether you're a longtime Siri user looking for more flexibility or someone who's hesitant to use voice commands in public, Type to Siri offers a convenient alternative for interacting with Apple's virtual assistant.
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