Apple sometimes intentionally resorts to software exclusivity to make its hardware more attractive. After all, many users feel pressure to upgrade to get the latest and best features. For example, prior to iOS 16, the Fitness app and its social features were exclusive to Apple Watch users. Those who wanted to compete with their friends through this app had to purchase the company’s own wearable. Cupertino Overlord revised his decision in iOS 16 and made fitness available to all iPhone users. Though, this major iPhone update doesn’t just fix that. In previous versions, having Siri announce notifications required compatible Beats or AirPods models. iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 change that.
If you are an AirPods user, then you are probably familiar with the notification announcement feature. For the unfamiliar, when turned on, Siri reads your incoming notifications through the AirPods or compatible headphones you’re wearing. Although Apple has been able to make it available on all Earbud models, it has chosen not to. iOS 16 is now tweaking this offering – making it more accessible to more users.
Siri can now announce notifications on speakerphone
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Access Settings on iOS 15
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Access Settings on iOS 16 beta
In the accessibility settings, iOS 16 presents a file Announcement notifications on loudspeaker switch. When enabled, your iPhone reads incoming notifications aloud — assuming they haven’t been silenced. This feature is useful for those who often have full hands. Instead of interacting with their phone when they receive a notification, Siri can only read incoming messages to them.
Of course, if you frequently receive notifications with embarrassing or confidential text, you may want to refrain from enabling this feature. In the case of AirPods, the speakers are in your ears – so only you’re the ones who hear the ads in particular. This new addition can put users in awkward or unwanted situations, if Siri reads a certain notification out loud in public. In particular, though, you can access the blacklist of apps of your choice. So it is not an all-or-nothing app. In the end, it’s great to see Apple offer more options for iOS and make iPhone features even richer.
Are you planning to enable this feature? Why and why not? Let us know in the comments section below.
