Currently, only developers are allowed to test Apple’s significantly improved Siri AI. To participate, one must first register as a developer to download the developer beta versions of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and others, which are the keys to Apple’s new AI system. Regular users will be able to join in testing starting in July, once Apple releases the first public betas of the new systems. However, the betas alone are not sufficient; Apple has established a waiting list, similar to what was done with Apple Intelligence under iOS 18. Users can register for the waiting list by enabling Siri in the settings of a beta device. In Europe, this is limited to Mac and Vision Pro; iPad and iPhone users are excluded due to regulatory issues until Apple reaches an agreement with the EU Commission. The eligibility is determined based on the Apple account. If a user has an EU country linked to their account, they are excluded.
Access Delays and Device Limitations
The waiting time for the Siri AI beta can be prolonged. While Apple initially allowed developers swift access during WWDC week, the process has since slowed down. A previous workaround on Mac using a terminal command no longer works in the second beta, and there were no shortcuts available for iPhones and iPads. Importantly, access is device-dependent; users might have Siri AI access on their Macs but not on their iPhones, even if they use the same Apple account.
Capabilities and Features
Developers report that Siri AI has already made significant advancements. Device control, authentic chatbot functionality, context-sensitive information retrieval, and more are possible. However, users may experience delays in server access even on devices like the iPhone 17 Pro or Macs with the M3 chip, which utilize the best local language model. Generative AI features like the Image Playground, which Apple has improved, work seamlessly even without Siri AI access. Additionally, new AI photo editing capabilities allow users to change angles or fill in certain areas within photos.
Voice Configuration and Dictation Improvements
As of now, users cannot configure two new Siri voices that offer significantly improved speech quality. Despite claims that users will be able to adjust the speed and expressiveness through the settings menu, it is currently non-functional. The local dictation feature, which Apple has also reportedly worked on, is not active by default and is restricted to the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, or Air models. Both the dictation and enhanced voice features are immediately functional on beta devices, as Apple does not require users to go through the Siri waiting list. The same applies to the improved Genmoji feature. Currently, Siri AI is geared towards English-speaking users, but the AI system can understand some German and respond to inquiries, although this capability is not officially acknowledged yet.
