Apple iOS 14.5 has brought new voices of Siri. Instead of providing the default female voice, users will be asked to choose the desired voice for Siri.
According to Apple, “We’re excited to introduce two new Siri voices for English speakers and the option for Siri users to select the voice they want when they set up their device. This is a continuation of Apple’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion and products and services that are designed to better reflect the diversity of the world we live in”.
What are the prerequisites for switching to the new Siri voices?
Siri’s new voices are available on the iOS 14.5 version. Thus, you must ensure that your device is running the latest iOS version.
To check the iOS version on your device, follow these steps.
- Launch the Settings application.
- Go to General > About.
- Against the Software Version heading, you’ll find your iOS version.
If your device is running an older version of iOS, you may update it to the latest version in the following steps.
- Launch the Settings application.
- Go to General > Software Update
- If your device is already up to date, you will get the message with the iOS version e.g. “iOS 14.5: iOS is up to date”.
- If your device needs an update, you will be prompted with the message. Just tap Download and install.
How can you change Siri’s voice on iOS?
To change Siri’s voice on iOS, follow these steps.
- Launch the Settings application on your iOS device.
- Scroll down and tap Siri & Search.
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Scroll down and tap Siri & Search. - Tap Siri Voice. Here you will find a list of voices. Siri offers several language accents like Indian, American, Australian, British, Irish, and South African.
- You may preview each voice by tapping them.
- Once you tap a voice, it will be downloaded to switch anytime.
How can you change Siri’s voice on Mac?
You may also switch to the new voice of Siri on macOS Big Sur 11.3. To change Siri’s voice on a Mac device, follow these steps.
- Open the Apple menu located on the top-left corner.
- Launch System Preferences.
- Select Siri and choose the desired voice.
What are other features launched in iOS 14.5?
Apart from new Siri voices, the iOS 14.5 has brought several new features. Some of them are given below.
Unlock the iPhone with the mask on
The iOS 14.5 update enables the device to recognise you even when the face mask is on provided you are wearing your Apple Watch. To enable this setting, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and toggle the Unlock with the Apple Watch option on. You’ll need to turn on the Wrist Detection feature on your Apple Watch and enable the passcode.
FaceTime and phone call features
The new iOS 14.5 enables Siri to notify you regarding the incoming calls when you’re wearing your AirPods. To make calls to emergency contacts, you just need to say “Siri, call my emergency contact”. Siri will also support group FaceTime calls.
App Tracking Transparency
Apple iOS 14.5 has come with a stringent according to which, applications shall demand permission from the user to use factors that identify a device like a device model, fingerprint, and IP address.
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