In an effort to enhance user experience and streamline access to its virtual assistant, Apple has announced a significant change to Siri’s trigger phrase. The tech giant is set to replace the familiar “Hey Siri” wake word with a simpler and more intuitive command: “Siri.” This alteration, which will be implemented as part of the upcoming iOS 17 update, is aimed at making it easier for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other device users to summon Siri effortlessly.
The decision to transition to a single wake word comes in the wake of a report from Bloomberg in November, which disclosed Apple’s intention to explore the possibility of consolidating Siri’s activation phrase. Previously, Apple had employed the two-word trigger “Hey Siri” due to the technical and training advantages it offered. However, the forthcoming change signifies a significant shift in Apple’s approach, as the company acknowledges the need to refine and optimize the user experience.
Apple’s competitors have also ventured into simplified wake phrases for their respective voice assistants. Amazon’s Alexa can be summoned with either “Hey Alexa” or simply “Alexa,” while Microsoft’s Cortana, which was discontinued on iOS and Android platforms in 2021, operated solely on the “Cortana” wake word. In contrast, Google Assistant continues to rely on the two wake phrases “Hey Google” or “OK Google” instead of a singular “Google” command. Should Google consider transitioning to a solitary wake word, it would necessitate careful consideration to prevent inadvertent triggering of the assistant during regular conversations that mention the word “Google,” given the verb-like usage it has acquired due to its widespread dominance in the realm of online search.
Apple enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the arrival of iOS 17, slated for release this September, when the new simplified trigger phrase for Siri is expected to be introduced. With this change, Apple aims to facilitate quicker and more efficient access to its virtual assistant, ultimately improving user interactions and productivity across its range of devices.