Siri works differently depending on your device, software version, language and region. Apple now offers classic Siri, Siri with Apple Intelligence and the newer Siri AI beta. This guide explains what Siri can do, which devices support it, how to set it up and how to fix common problems.
What is Siri?
Siri is Apple’s voice assistant. You can talk or type to it to find information, control your devices and get things done in Apple apps and supported third-party apps. It first appeared on the iPhone 4S in 2011 and now works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, HomePod, Apple TV, AirPods, CarPlay and Apple Vision Pro.
In 2026, there are three versions of Siri, and which one you get depends on your device:
Classic Siri: The standard version on HomePod, Apple TV and devices that don’t support Apple Intelligence.
Siri with Apple Intelligence: A refreshed design, better product knowledge and improved language features on compatible devices.
Siri AI (beta): Apple’s newest assistant, which can hold a conversation, understand what’s on your screen, use your personal context and do more inside apps.
To see which version you have, open Settings, then Siri (or Apple Intelligence & Siri). Siri AI shows a beta label there.
What can Siri do?
Messages and calls: Send texts, start calls, read notifications and draft emails.
Reminders and calendar: Create events, check your next appointment and set reminders for a time or place.
Timers and alarms: Run several named timers at once and set alarms hands-free.
Music and smart home: Control Apple Music and podcasts, choose a speaker and control HomeKit and Matter devices through Apple Home.
Directions: Find places, check travel times and start navigation in Apple Maps.
Questions and personal info: Answer questions and, with Siri AI, find details in your messages, emails and photos or explain what’s on your screen.
Siri can’t answer every question or control every app. Permissions, language, region and your internet connection all affect what it can do, so double-check important actions like payments, messages and smart-lock commands.
Which devices support Siri AI?
Classic Siri works on almost every current Apple device, but Siri AI needs newer hardware. As of October 2026, it’s a beta feature in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27 and visionOS 27. It works on iPhone 15 Pro and later, iPad mini with A17 Pro, iPads with M1 or later, Macs with Apple silicon, Apple Vision Pro and compatible Apple Watches paired with an eligible iPhone.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your tablet for Apple Intelligence, our iPad ranking explains which model is worth buying in 2026.
Siri AI is currently available only in English, and your device and Siri languages need to match. In the European Union, it isn’t available on iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch yet, although it works on compatible Macs and Apple Vision Pro set to English. Classic Siri and Apple Intelligence support many more languages, so check Apple’s feature availability page for your country.
How to turn on Siri on iPhone and iPad
Open Settings and tap Siri (or Apple Intelligence & Siri).
Turn on “Siri” or “Hey Siri” and complete the voice setup if asked.
Turn on the side button or Home button option if you want to activate Siri with a button.
On an eligible device, tap Try Siri AI (Beta) and follow the steps.
Then just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” followed by your request, or press and hold the side button. If you’d rather not talk, for example in a meeting, you can type to Siri instead. On devices without Apple Intelligence, turn this on in Settings, Accessibility, Siri.
How to use Siri on AirPods, Apple Watch and Mac
On AirPods, such as the AirPods Pro 3, Siri works through the iPhone, iPad or Mac they’re connected to. Most recent models let you just say “Siri” or press and hold the stem, while AirPods Max use the Digital Crown. You can change these controls in the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone.
On Apple Watch, open Settings, then Siri, and choose how to activate it: with your voice, by raising your wrist or by pressing and holding the Digital Crown. The watch uses the language and voice set on your paired iPhone.
On a Mac, Siri AI is built into Spotlight and the Siri app, while older versions use the Siri icon in the menu bar. For the best hands-free experience at home, a HomePod mini can handle music, timers and smart home commands for the whole family.
Is Siri private?
Apple processes many requests directly on your device, but others need its servers. Apple says Siri requests aren’t used to build advertising profiles, and Apple Intelligence uses Private Cloud Compute for bigger tasks. Siri AI can also sync your conversation history across your devices through iCloud.
To protect your privacy, turn off Siri on the lock screen, limit personal requests on shared HomePods and check which apps can use Siri. You can also delete your Siri and Dictation history in Siri settings. And if your phone ever does lock you out, our guide on how to regain access to a locked phone explains what to do.
Useful Siri commands to try
“Remind me to call Sam when I leave work.”
“Add coffee, rice and tomatoes to my shopping list.”
“Set a pasta timer for 11 minutes.”
“Turn off the downstairs lights at midnight.”
“Show photos from my trip last June.”
“Help me find the email with my hotel confirmation.” (Siri AI)
Siri not working? Quick fixes
If Siri doesn’t respond to “Hey Siri”, check that it’s turned on in Settings, that the microphone isn’t blocked and that Low Power Mode isn’t limiting it. Setting up your voice again often helps. If the wrong device answers, lock the devices you aren’t using or use a button instead of your voice.
If Siri mishears you, check the Siri language and voice, and wait for the tone before you speak. If Siri AI or Apple Intelligence disappears, make sure your device is supported, has enough free storage and uses matching device and Siri languages. And if personal requests fail on HomePod, check that voice recognition and Personal Requests are on and that your iPhone is nearby.
Siri is no longer one assistant but three, and the newest version is a big step up. Keep your devices updated, set up the activation method you like and confirm important actions, and Siri can save you a lot of taps every day.
