Apple released the sixth beta of iOS 14.5 and Co. this evening. The company has made changes to Siri.
The sixth beta of iOS 14.5 includes two new Siri voices that are available in English. In addition, a new setup selection option has been added that allows users to choose their preferred Siri voice instead of using a female voice by default. This change is initially limited to the United States. The Siri adjustments have already been detailed by TechCrunch explained. The blog explains that the two new voices will add more variety in voice sound and patterns. Apple explained in a statement that the change is a continuation of its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
We're excited to introduce two new Siri voices for English speakers and the option for Siri users to choose the voice they want when setting up their device. This is a continuation of Apple's long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to creating products and services that better reflect the diversity of the world we live in.
iOS 14.5: Apple updates Siri voices in more countries
The new voices that have been added use recordings run through Apple's Neural Engine to make the voices "flow more organically" by generating the phrases on the fly. After upgrading to iOS 14.5, the Siri & Search section in the Settings app has an updated Siri Voice option. The "Accent" label has been replaced with "Diversity." The "Gender" selection has been removed with it. Instead, there are now four "American" language options to choose from. The sixth beta to iOS 14.5 also improves Siri voices in Ireland, Russia, and Italy to add Apple's Neural Text to Speech, bringing the total number of devices using the technology to 38. Siri now handles 25 billion requests with over 500 million voices and supports 21 languages in 36 countries. (Photo by DedMityay / Bigstockphoto)
