iOS 18 Impacts Siri's Voice: Users Notice Subtly Different Tone
The voice of Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, has undergone a subtle but noticeable transformation with the advent of iOS 18. Users have reported a change in Siri's tone, describing it as flatter, less natural, and more disengaged compared to its previous iterations. This shift appears to be linked to the introduction of Apple Intelligence features within the latest iOS update.
Reports circulating online since December suggest that the update has impacted Siri's vocal delivery, particularly across Australian, Irish, and American accent options. Some users have described the new voice as stern and lacking the upbeat, conversational quality they were accustomed to.
The Culprit: iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence
The change in Siri's voice is believed to be a direct consequence of the iOS 18 update, which incorporates Apple Intelligence. Apple has stated that Siri's voice is now synthesized entirely on-device using new language models, resulting in a more natural, expressive, and clear delivery. However, the subjective experience of users indicates that the new voice may not be universally appreciated.
In the iOS 18 release notes, Apple highlighted that "Siri sounds more natural, expressive, and clear, and is now synthesized entirely on device by Apple Intelligence new language models." This transition aims to enhance Siri's capabilities and integration with the broader Apple ecosystem.
User Reactions and Workarounds
While Apple touts the improvements in Siri's voice, some users express a preference for the pre-iOS 18 version. On Apple Support Community forums, individuals have shared a workaround to revert to the previous voice by disabling Apple Intelligence in the settings. This involves navigating to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > and toggling off Apple Intelligence.
Disabling Apple Intelligence effectively restores the pre-iOS 18 version of Siri's voice, albeit at the cost of foregoing the new AI-powered features. Some users have indicated a willingness to sacrifice Apple Intelligence until the voice is adjusted to their liking.
The December iOS 18.2 update may have also reset Siri’s voice to its default setting: American, Voice 1, potentially contributing to the widespread perception of change.
The shift in Siri's voice with iOS 18 highlights the complexities of evolving AI assistants. While Apple aims to enhance Siri's naturalness and expressiveness, user preferences remain diverse. The ability to toggle off Apple Intelligence provides a temporary solution for those who prefer the previous voice, underscoring the importance of user choice in shaping the future of AI interactions.
Source: Mashable