Siri becomes more human with new voice and expressiveness settings

Last update: July 8, 2026
  • Incorporation of sliders to modify the rhythm and emotion of the virtual assistant.
  • Aesthetic interface update with improvements to icons and Liquid Glass effects.
  • New smart features in Safari for managing tabs and website changes.
  • Synchronization of the revamped assistant with the latest beta version of watchOS.

Customizing Siri on iOS

Apple continues to make giant strides in making interaction with its devices feel less robotic and much more user-friendly. With the arrival of the third beta version of its operating system, the company has decided it's time for us to choose how our iPhone speaks to us , allowing a level of customization previously only seen in its direct competitors in the artificial intelligence sector.

This update isn't just a facelift; it focuses on giving Siri a much more flexible communication capability. Through the integration of Apple Intelligence , the assistant now not only better understands context but also allows users to modulate its expression to better suit their daily needs, whether that's a calmer voice or one that conveys greater enthusiasm.

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New rhythm and emotion controls for the assistant

Siri expressiveness controls

The major new feature arriving on developers' devices is the activation of two adjustment sliders called Pace and Expressiveness. These tools allow users to decide whether they prefer Siri to speak faster or more calmly, as well as adjust the level of emotion it projects in its responses. What was once a promise for the future is now a tangible reality that can be tested directly from the assistant's settings menu.

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To avoid making these changes blindly, the system includes an instant preview feature. By moving the sliders, the phone plays the example phrase "You have a new message," allowing us to instantly check the result of our settings. It's a very practical way to see if the new ringtone we've chosen sounds natural or if we'd prefer to revert to something a bit more standard before saving the changes.

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Visual improvements and adjustments to the system interface

iOS interface with revamped Siri

Beyond the voice enhancements, this beta version includes subtle aesthetic tweaks that demonstrate Apple's attention to detail. For example, the Reminders app icon has been redesigned, and variations have been applied to the Liquid Glass finish to create softer reflections on the icons . These seemingly minor design touches ultimately contribute to a more fluid and modern feel across the entire device.

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There are also new features in the Control Center that observant users will appreciate. From now on, the status bar will permanently display the signal strength and mobile network type , even when browsing over a Wi-Fi connection. This change makes it easier to see at a glance whether you have good phone coverage without having to disable anything or navigate through additional menus, which is always useful when you're in areas with weak signal.

Smart features in Safari and Apple Watch compatibility

What's new in Safari and Apple Watch

Safari hasn't been left behind in this update package. Apple has introduced tools that allow you to automatically organize tabs and categorize bookmarks by topic. Also noteworthy is the Notify Me feature, a system that analyzes the websites you visit to alert you of any significant changes. This, along with the ability to create custom extensions, opens up a vast array of possibilities for those who get the most out of the browser.

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As if that weren't enough, Apple Watch users also have reason to celebrate, as the watchOS beta finally includes compatibility with this new AI-powered Siri . This includes a standalone app for the assistant , allowing the natural and interactive conversational experience to move from your pocket to your wrist without losing any of its core data processing and voice personalization capabilities.

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Apple has put forward a proposal that seeks to balance the power of artificial intelligence with a highly human and customizable user experience. With the rollout of these rhythm and expressiveness features, along with improvements to Safari and visual system tweaks, the ecosystem feels more cohesive and prepared for a future where voice is the primary interface. Although these are still beta versions, the established path indicates that the goal is to offer technology that is not only intelligent but also adapts to the tone and speed of each individual conversation.