What you need to know
- iOS 14.5 will release to the public next week.
- The update will allow headphone users to answer an incoming phone call with Siri.
Apple released the iOS 14.5 Release Candidate to developers earlier today, and the latest version revealed a new feature that is coming to Siri.
As reported by 9to5Mac, iOS 14.5 will allow headphone users to answer incoming calls with Siri.
As found in the Siri settings in iOS 14.5 RC, users can now answer calls using the virtual assistant without having to press anything. The option is part of the Announce Calls with Siri feature, which lets users hear the name of who is calling when using headphones.However, in addition to telling the name of the caller, Siri now understands the commands to answer the call, just as was already possible with text messages. There's no need to say "Hey Siri," you just need to say "answer" or "decline."
In order to get the feature to work, users will have to turn it on in the Settings app under the Announce Messages menu of the Siri section.
Have Siri read incoming messages and announce phone calls. Reply or answer just by speaking to Siri. To use Announce Messages and Phone Calls With Siri, turn on Allow Siri When Locked in Settings.
Currently, Siri can announce and have you immediately respond to messages but, while Siri can announce incoming phone calls, you would have to pull out your iPhone or lift your Apple watch to tap a screen and answer the call. Now, you'll simply be able to tell Siri to answer the call without having to touch anything.
This feature will, of course, only work with headphones that support Siri like AirPods and Beats.
