Apple opens its new Siri to every app maker, so voice help may reach more apps

Apple is opening its new Siri, called Siri AI, to every app maker. Until now, only Apple's own apps and a few third-party ones got the full treatment. The change is in beta versions of iOS 27.3, iPadOS 27.3, MacOS 27.3 and VisionOS 27.3, and it could let you handle more tasks in your favorite apps by just asking.

What changed

Apps connect to Siri through a tool called App Intents. It lets an app tell Siri what it can do, such as check an order or book a table. Apple introduced it in 2022 with iOS 16, and it already works with the older Siri. The older version lacks the AI smarts and advanced skills of the new one. The beta lets all developers link their apps to those newer skills.

Apple said any app can now bring its content and actions into Siri AI. That includes understanding personal context, awareness of what is on your screen, and requests in your own words. Apple's examples were checking a delivery, booking a reservation and placing an order.

What it could look like

Siri AI already fully supports most of Apple's own apps, including Calendar, Mail, Maps, Messages, Music, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Safari and Weather. Some third-party apps work too, but their advanced features are limited or missing. One example from the report: instead of opening DoorDash or Grubhub to check or change a food order, you could tell Siri to do it.

ZDNet writer Lance Whitney listed five apps he hopes will join:

• Amazon, for searching, wishlists and delivery checks
• IMDB, for ratings, running times and watchlists
• Libby, for finding library e-books you can borrow
• TodayTix, for finding theater seats
• Yelp, for restaurant searches

What is not known yet

Nothing guarantees any of those apps will add support. Each developer decides whether to build it, and the report names no company that has committed. The feature is also still in beta, so details could change before a final release. No release date was given in the material.

Who should pay attention

For everyday users, the change matters most if your regular apps add support, since more tasks could move from tapping to talking. For business owners with an app, this is a chance to make orders, bookings or status checks available by voice. Developers can start testing in the betas now.