Apple has enabled controls for Siri’s speaking speed and emotional tone in iOS 27 beta 3.
The update arrives today alongside the third developer build. Features previously marked as “Coming soon” in early releases are now active, allowing testers to adjust the AI assistant’s pace and expressivity.
This change supports Apple’s wider rebuild of the assistant around generative AI. Adjusting how the voice sounds is a standard requirement for connecting users with new technology, similar to what other platforms offer.
OpenAI‘s assistant went further in December 2025 by introducing sliders for warmth and enthusiasm. Users can also configure the base style to sound friendly, professional, candid, or quirky. These settings affect both the voice and how information is presented.
Apple introduced voice controls at WWDC 26 in June. Beyond selecting a male or female voice, beta testers can now switch between accents and use sliders to control speaking speed and the amount of human-like emotion conveyed.
When making adjustments, Siri will practice common phrases such as “You have one new message” so users can hear the differences.
The AI version of Siri is integrated across iOS 27. iPhone owners can start conversations by speaking, swiping down from the Dynamic Island, typing, tapping the side button, or using the new standalone app.
Other minor updates include a refreshed icon for Reminders. Some users on X report losing access to the new Siri after updating or seeing their phone begin indexing data, a typical first step in optimising the assistant for search.
What it means
Users gain finer control over the assistant’s delivery without needing to wait for the final release.
