You can now customize Siri’s pace and expressivity in the latest iOS 27 beta

2026-07-06 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Apple has enabled new voice customization controls for Siri in the latest iOS 27 developer beta 3, allowing users to adjust the AI assistant's speaking pace and expressivity. This update is part of Apple's broader initiative to enhance Siri's naturalness and personalization through generative AI, following its overhaul announced at WWDC 26 in June. While Siri now offers sliders for pace and human-like emotion, competitors like ChatGPT, which rolled out similar features in December 2025, provide more extensive options, including warmth, enthusiasm, and base style adjustments (friendly, professional, candid, quirky). The AI version of Siri is deeply integrated across iOS 27, supporting various interaction methods like speaking, typing via Dynamic Island, side button activation, or a new stand-alone Siri app. Minor updates in beta 3 also include an updated Reminders app icon, though some users report issues with Siri access or data indexing post-update.

Key takeaway

For AI Product Managers developing voice assistants, you should prioritize granular voice customization beyond basic gender selection. Consider offering controls for pace, expressivity, and emotional tone to deepen user engagement and perceived naturalness. Your roadmap should also explore deep operating system integration and diverse interaction modalities to maximize accessibility and utility, learning from Apple's iOS 27 approach and ChatGPT's broader customization options.

Key insights

AI assistant personalization through voice customization enhances user connection and natural interaction.

Principles

• Generative AI enables more natural assistant interactions.
• Voice customization improves user connection with AI.
• Deep OS integration expands AI assistant accessibility.

Method

Users adjust Siri's pace and expressivity via sliders, practicing with common phrases like "You have one new message."

In practice

• Adjust Siri's speaking speed for better comprehension.
• Fine-tune Siri's emotional tone for a personal feel.
• Explore multiple interaction methods for Siri access.

Topics

• Siri
• iOS 27
• Voice AI
• Generative AI
• User Customization
• AI Assistants

Best for: Product Manager, AI Product Manager, Product Designer, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.