Siri with ChatGPT Arrives on iPhone in iOS 18.2 Beta

For years, Siri has faced criticism and neglect, making it easy to overlook its revolutionary impact at launch. When it was first introduced, Siri was among the first digital assistants, paving the way for other platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant. In the early 2010s, it was indeed a novelty that could understand natural language, send texts, make calls, and schedule reminders through voice commands.

However, despite these impressive features, Siri struggled to integrate smoothly into daily life. What started as a promising tool quickly became a source of frustration for many users due to its issues with context comprehension and its inability to keep up with competitors. Over time, Siri's limitations led it to feel outdated.

Things are changing with the introduction of ChatGPT, an advanced AI chatbot that many users now see as superior to Siri. Although the full rollout of this upgrade won’t occur until December at the earliest, eager users can access it now with a few straightforward steps.

Important Information Before Downloading Siri with ChatGPT

The revamped Siri features are included in the iOS 18.2 developer beta, a pre-release version of Apple's iPhone operating system meant for developers to familiarize themselves with the newest features.

Previously a paid service, Apple made developer betas accessible to the public for free last year. If you're uncomfortable using voice commands, there’s also the option to type your instructions to Siri and ChatGPT.

It's worth noting that beta software can be unpredictable and may not operate as smoothly as public releases. Users have reported that iOS 18 betas can slightly slow down device performance, with some basic features feeling less responsive.

To access the new AI enhancements, users must enroll in a waitlist through their iPhone settings, but the wait is usually brief.

If Siri is unable to process a command, it will seamlessly transfer the task to ChatGPT.

Following Apple's announcement, however, it's important to know that this AI upgrade is limited to certain iPhone models—specifically, the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and the iPhone 16 series.

Besides Siri, the iOS 18.2 update introduces several other cutting-edge features, including new AI Image Playground tools for generating fun images and emojis, a preview of a redesigned Mail app, and new options for setting default apps for email and password management.

If you’re ready to install the iOS 18.2 developer beta, here are the steps to follow:

Visit the Apple Beta Software Program Website:

Navigate to the Apple Beta Software Program page.

Sign in with Your Apple ID:

If you do not have an account, click on "Sign up"; otherwise, use "Sign in" with your Apple ID.

Accept the Terms and Conditions:

During the signup, be sure to read and agree to the terms and conditions.

Enroll Your Device:

Once logged in, follow the prompts to enroll your device for the beta.

Install the Beta Profile:

Go to Settings > General > Profile on your iPhone and install the beta profile you downloaded.

Check for Software Updates:

After installing the profile, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. You should see the option to download iOS 18.1 public beta or the iOS 18.2 developer beta—select the latter to access Siri with ChatGPT and other advanced features.

Enable ChatGPT:

ChatGPT is not automatically activated, so make sure to turn it on by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT and toggling it on.

Account Sign-in:

During setup, you might be prompted to create or log into a ChatGPT account. While an account isn’t necessary for basic use, it allows you to save chat history and access premium features for subscribers. Remember that creating an account means OpenAI can use this data to improve its models.

Once these steps are completed, you can access all the latest AI features from Apple, including enhancements introduced in iOS 18.1. This includes the ability to type queries to Siri by double-tapping the bottom of the screen. You will also see a new Siri animation when holding the lock screen button.

The responses will indicate if they originated from ChatGPT, ensuring clear communication.

How to Use Siri with ChatGPT

After installing iOS 18.2, Siri can pass on tasks it cannot complete to ChatGPT with your permission.

You can disable the need for extra confirmation before ChatGPT is used by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > ChatGPT and turning off Confirm ChatGPT Requests.

Siri can be initiated by saying "Hey Siri" or simply "Siri," or for those who prefer typing, a double tap on the bottom of the screen can be used.

Once you summon Siri, you can immediately request ChatGPT by saying or typing "ask ChatGPT" followed by your query.

Is Siri with ChatGPT Safe?

Apple has emphasized that user privacy remains a priority when integrating ChatGPT into Siri. For added security, IP addresses are masked during requests, enhancing anonymity. Queries are not tied to Apple accounts, ensuring that data isn’t linked directly to user identities.

Importantly, OpenAI cannot keep or utilize data from these requests for training purposes unless you have linked your ChatGPT account. Meanwhile, Apple limits the data it collects to what is needed for service functionality and fraud prevention.

Siri, ChatGPT, iOS