In the upcoming iOS 18 update, Apple will introduce a new feature called ‘Vocal Shortcuts’ that allows users to wake up Siri with a custom phrase rather than the traditional ‘Hey Siri’ command. Originally intended to assist users with disabilities, this feature will now be available to all users, providing the ability to personalize the Siri experience by choosing unique wake-up phrases such as ‘Hey, Computer’ or any other preferred phrase.
However, users will need to pause for a moment after using the custom wake-up phrase before issuing a request to Siri. For example, instead of saying ‘Siri, set timer for 10 minutes’ directly, users need to say their chosen wake-up phrase (e.g., ‘Dary’), pause, and then continue with the request.
Although initially developed as an accessibility feature, ‘Vocal Shortcuts’ is expected to be utilized by a broader audience and may become a popular and useful feature, similar to the previous iPad cursor support. This improvement demonstrates Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experiences and addressing diverse user needs.