Apple is bringing a more natural voice experience to Siri with the latest iOS 27 developer beta. The newest beta release introduces iOS 27 beta Siri voice controls, giving users the ability to adjust how the virtual assistant speaks through new AI-powered settings for speaking speed and emotional expression.
The update, available in iOS 27 beta 3, is part of Apple’s larger effort to transform Siri into a more conversational AI assistant powered by generative artificial intelligence. The new features, which had previously been labelled as “coming soon”, are now accessible to developers testing the software.
iOS 27 beta Siri voice controls introduce pace and expressivity
The headline addition in the latest update is the arrival of iOS 27 beta Siri voice controls that let users personalise Siri’s voice beyond simply selecting an accent or voice profile.
Apple has introduced two new options called Pace and Expressivity. The Pace slider lets users decide whether Siri should speak more slowly or at a faster rate depending on their preference. Meanwhile, the Expressivity control changes the amount of emotion and natural variation in Siri’s speech, making responses sound less robotic.
As users adjust these settings, Siri reads sample phrases in real time, allowing them to hear exactly how the changes affect the assistant before confirming their selection.
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Apple continues Siri’s AI transformation in iOS 27
The iOS 27 beta Siri voice controls are one part of Apple’s wider Siri overhaul unveiled during WWDC 2026.
The redesigned assistant now supports multiple ways to interact with users. Siri can still be activated through voice commands or the side button, but users can also type requests by swiping down from the Dynamic Island or launch the dedicated Siri application introduced with iOS 27.
Apple says the goal is to create a more flexible and natural conversational experience as Siri becomes increasingly powered by generative AI technologies under the Apple Intelligence platform.
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Siri still trails ChatGPT in AI personality options
Although the iOS 27 beta Siri voice controls represent Apple’s biggest voice customisation update yet, competing AI assistants continue to offer broader personalisation features.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT allows users to customise not only voice speed and warmth but also the AI’s conversational personality. Users can choose interaction styles such as professional, friendly or candid, influencing both tone and responses.
Apple’s latest implementation remains focused on voice delivery rather than personality, but it signals the company’s continued investment in making Siri feel more human and conversational. Future beta releases are expected to expand Siri’s AI capabilities further before the public rollout of iOS 27 later this year.
