New Pace and Expressivity sliders in the latest developer beta let users tune Siri’s speaking speed and emotional warmth, as Apple works to make its AI assistant feel less robotic.
Apple has expanded the range of things users can do with Siri by adding two features in iOS 27 beta 3 that allow application testers to modify Siri’s voice, not just its spoken voice. This development is part of Apple’s broader efforts to enhance Siri using generative AI technologies.
What the New Controls Do
The two features are very simple. They include the Pace slider, which lets users control how slowly or quickly Siri should pronounce words, and the Expressivity control, which determines the extent of emotional and tone changes Siri should portray. Both features had been shown in previous beta versions before becoming functional in the new build.
To help users find the right combination, Siri reads sample phrases in real time as adjustments are made, letting testers hear the difference before committing to a setting. Users can still choose from different Siri voices and accents before layering these new controls on top of them.
Part of a Bigger Siri Overhaul
The new version of Siri was first presented by Apple at WWDC 2026, showcasing an assistant with advanced capabilities. The updated version can now be accessed by speaking directly, pressing the side button, swiping down from the Dynamic Island, or using a new standalone Siri app.
Where Apple Still Trails
The honest assessment is that Apple’s new controls represent meaningful progress while stopping well short of what competitors already offer. OpenAI’s ChatGPT allows users to adjust not just speaking speed and emotional warmth but also conversational personality, with distinct interaction styles ranging from friendly and candid to professional and quirky that shape both how the AI speaks and how it presents information.
Apple’s current implementation stays focused on voice delivery. The deeper question of conversational personality remains largely unaddressed for now.
