Apple’s new iOS 18 beta update introduced the Vocal Shortcuts feature, which allows users to customize Siri. Thanks to this feature, users can use a special wake-up word they set to activate Siri. For example, instead of “Hey Siri,” you can wake Siri with a word like “Selin.” This new feature aims to provide alternative ways to access system features, especially for disabled users.
Apple’s iOS 18 brings a special wake-up word definition feature for Siri
It’s pretty simple to define a new wake word for Siri using the Vocal Shortcuts feature. Open the Settings app, go to the Accessibility section and click on Vocal Shortcuts. Select “Set Up Vocal Shortcuts” and then select “Siri” (not Siri Request). From here, type the new name you want to use to activate Siri, for example “Selin”.
After setting your new name, you can say it to activate Siri on your iPhone running iOS 18. However, this feature is only available on the iPhone and does not sync with other devices like HomePod; That’s why you need to use the “Hey Siri” command again on these devices.
According to posts on Reddit, when activating Siri with Vocal Shortcuts, you have to wait a short while before giving a command. “Hey Siri, what time is it?” Instead of saying one sentence at a time, you need to say the word wake up first, wait, and then give the command. This delay may make this feature less likely to be preferred for continued use. However, you will still be able to activate Siri with the “Hey Siri” command.
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Vocal Shortcuts is not limited to just activating Siri. With voice commands, you can run any shortcut, trigger applications, use system features such as taking a screenshot, changing the sound, scrolling the page, and activating the Control Center. You can also pair these shortcuts with a special voice instead of voice commands.
The Vocal Shortcuts feature, introduced by Apple with iOS 18, aims to make Siri and other system features more personalized and accessible for users. While this feature provides great convenience, especially for disabled users, it also offers a fun and useful experience for other users. Defining a specific wake word for Siri can further enrich users’ iPhone experiences.