Ios 27 beta 2: siri gets a speed boost, 'type to siri' arrives
Apple’s iOS 27 beta 2 update has quietly delivered a welcome upgrade to Siri, injecting a noticeable dose of speed into its responses. Following initial sluggishness compared to Gemini on my Pixel 6 Pro, the AI assistant is now demonstrably quicker, a small victory for Apple’s efforts in the competitive AI space.
New features and a notable limitation
The update introduces a ‘Type to Siri’ button directly within the Messages, Notes, and Mail apps – a clever solution to a persistent user request. Now, a single tap offers immediate access to Siri’s capabilities for composing queries, streamlining a task previously reliant on voice commands. This integration is surprisingly effective, a pragmatic step forward.
However, the improvements aren’t universal. My attempts to query past stock prices, a feature Gemini readily handles on my Pixel, proved fruitless. Apple’s reasoning is straightforward: Siri remains firmly in beta, and its access to external financial databases is currently restricted. It’s operating on a curated knowledge base – a deliberate choice, for now.
A temporary workaround
For users needing historical market data, the workaround is simple: switch to a competitor. My Pixel 6 Pro, equipped with Gemini, provided instant access to past stock prices, effectively circumventing Siri’s limitations. It's a frustrating caveat, highlighting the ongoing development phase.
Ios 27 and apple intelligence
The beta 2 release also includes a refined ‘Type to Siri’ button within the standalone Siri app, enabling users to delete multiple conversations at once – a long-overdue enhancement. While Apple Intelligence is slated to arrive later this year, expanding Siri’s capabilities remains a core focus. Only iPhone 15 Pro models, alongside the upcoming iPhone 16 and later, will initially receive Siri AI functionality. The rollout will be geographically phased, a strategic move by Apple to manage demand and ensure a smooth user experience. The iPhone 11 and later models will receive iOS 27 with Siri, but without the enhanced AI features. It's a carefully controlled expansion.