Apple is finally giving iPhone users more control over Siri’s voice. The latest iOS 27 beta, which is a pre-release version of the upcoming iPhone software, now allows you to adjust both the speed and expressiveness of Siri’s speech.
What’s Actually Changing
The new settings, discovered in the iOS 27 beta by TechCrunch, introduce two main controls in Siri’s settings menu:
- Pace: This determines how quickly or slowly Siri responds.
- Expressivity: This adjusts how much personality Siri’s voice has, ranging from flat and neutral to animated and conversational.
Imagine tuning the speed and enthusiasm of a podcast host. Some users want their assistant to deliver information quickly with a straightforward tone. Others prefer a warmer, more engaging voice that feels less robotic. Until now, Siri didn’t give you any options.
These new controls complement the existing choices for Siri’s voice and language. However, they go a step further by allowing users to shape how responses are delivered, not just who’s speaking them.
Why Apple Is Doing This Now
Siri has faced a lot of criticism for sounding stiff compared to competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. With Apple Intelligence, which includes on-device AI features, rolling out worldwide—including a recent expansion into China via Alibaba’s Qwen AI—Apple seems serious about making Siri feel more human and relatable.
Allowing users to customize Siri’s voice is a simple change that could significantly improve everyday interactions. For those with hearing sensitivities or processing differences, a slower pace can enhance accessibility.
What This Means
For most iPhone users, this is a straightforward upgrade that doesn’t require any technical know-how. If Siri has ever seemed too fast while you’re driving, too robotic while you’re cooking, or just a bit annoying in ways you couldn’t identify, now you can adjust it.
The expressivity slider is particularly intriguing. Currently, Siri sounds pretty much the same whether it’s reading your grocery list or informing you that your flight is delayed. A more expressive mode could make interactions feel more personal and less like querying a database.
Accessibility users will likely benefit the most in the short term. Slower speech delivery is a common request among people who rely on screen readers or voice assistants to navigate their phones.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Feature location | iOS 27 beta (Siri settings menu) |
| New controls added | 2 (Pace, Expressivity) |
| iOS 27 public release | Expected fall 2026 |
| Current availability | Developer and public beta testers only |
Community Reactions
“Finally. Siri at default speed feels like it’s reading me a terms and conditions document every single time. Slower + less robotic is all I wanted.”
“The expressivity thing is wild to me. I didn’t realize how flat Siri sounded until I tried bumping it up. It’s like the difference between text-to-speech and an actual voice.”
What To Watch
- iOS 27 public beta: Apple usually releases public betas a few weeks after developer betas, so non-developers should be able to test this feature within the next month.
- Full release: iOS 27 is expected to launch alongside new iPhone hardware in fall 2026, making these settings available to all compatible users.
- Further voice controls: If Apple introduces pace and expressivity now, they might add pitch or accent adjustments in future betas. Keep an eye on Apple’s accessibility and Siri settings pages for updates.
- Competitor response: Google and Amazon have offered some voice tuning options for years. With Apple catching up, rivals might feel pressured to enhance their own customization features.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
