Earlier this year, Apple announced a new feature called “Announce Messages with Siri”, and said it would arrive with iOS 13.
However, with the launch of iOS 13 firmly in the books, we know the feature did not make the cut for that initial release. Moreover, Apple has since released iOS 13.1 to the public and the feature did not show up then, either. But it looks like its public debut is just around the corner.
Earlier today, Apple seeded the first developer beta of iOS 13.2 (and iPadOS 13.2), and with it brought back the “Announce Messages with Siri” feature for AirPods (and Powerbeats Pro) owners. It’s possible that Apple removes the feature before iOS 13.2 sees a public launch later this year, but, for now at least, it looks like this software version will finally see the feature launch to the public.
Announce Messages with Siri gives users the ability to have an incoming text message read aloud to them as it arrives, and then quickly reply to it if they so desire. Once the message arrives, Siri will say something like, “Devon says,” and then follow that with the rest of the transcribed message.
If you wish to reply immediately, you’ll be able to do that without having to invoke Siri with the wake phrase again.
This feature will be turned off by default once it goes live. You’ll need to head into the Settings app to turn it on. We’ve already put together a quick walkthrough on how to activate and use Announce Messages with Siri, which you can find right here.
It’s also worth noting that as long as developers built functionality into their messaging app(s), Announce Messages with Siri will also work with them, too. It’s not just for Apple’s Messages.
This is available for registered developers for now, but iOS 13.2 (and iPadOS 13.2) should have a corresponding public beta out here soon enough. If you prefer to wait for the public version of the software, that will happen in a few weeks, more than likely.
Are you excited about this particular feature?