Control iOS Apps with Siri: A How-To Guide

Unlocking SiriKit: Voice Control for Your Apps in iOS 10

iOS 10 introduced a powerful, yet often overlooked, feature called SiriKit. This functionality allows users to interact with and manage their preferred applications using simple voice commands through Siri.

How SiriKit Enhances App Interaction

SiriKit isn't automatically visible; it requires specific setup to function correctly. Understanding the configuration process is key to leveraging this voice control capability.

The core benefit of SiriKit lies in its ability to streamline app usage. Users can perform tasks within apps hands-free, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Setting Up SiriKit Voice Control

Activating SiriKit involves navigating to the appropriate settings within iOS 10. This ensures that Siri can recognize and respond to commands directed at your chosen applications.

Once configured, you can test the new voice control features. Experimenting with different commands will demonstrate the full potential of SiriKit.

The process of setting up and testing SiriKit is straightforward, offering a seamless integration of voice control into your daily iOS experience.

Understanding SiriKit and Requirements

The release of iOS 10 introduced SiriKit, a framework allowing developers to integrate their applications with Apple’s voice assistant, Siri. Previously, Siri’s voice command capabilities were limited to native Apple applications and accessories compatible with the HomeKit ecosystem.

Related: Utilizing Siri for Philips Hue Light Control.

Prior to SiriKit, interacting with third-party applications through Siri was restricted to simply launching them. Siri could execute operating system-level functions, such as application initiation. For instance, you could initiate the Uber application, but requesting a ride directly through Siri required manual interaction within the app itself.

This situation has been fundamentally altered. Developers now have the option to integrate their apps with Siri. The extent to which Siri can control applications like to-do lists, music players, or other tools is now determined by developer adoption of the SiriKit framework.

To begin leveraging these capabilities, two primary requirements must be met. First, a device running iOS 10 or a later version with Siri enabled is necessary.

Secondly, an application that actively supports Siri integration is required. Uncertainty regarding app compatibility can be easily resolved; we will demonstrate how to verify Siri integration and suggest applications for testing.

Lastly, Siri integration must be explicitly enabled for each application individually before voice commands will function. We will now examine each of these aspects to facilitate a seamless setup.

Verifying Siri Activation

Let's begin by ensuring Siri is enabled on your device, and ideally, activating the "Hey Siri!" feature for convenient, hands-free app control. You may already be confident that Siri is active; however, following these steps is necessary as the tutorial’s path leads to this settings menu regardless.

Open the Settings application and navigate to the "Siri" section by scrolling down and selecting it.

Ensure the "Siri" toggle is switched on. For enhanced usability, we suggest enabling "Allow 'Hey Siri'" to facilitate voice commands while your device is connected to a power source.

With Siri confirmed as active, we can proceed to enable app integration with Siri.

Enabling Siri Integration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Siri doesn't automatically enable support for all compatible applications on your iOS device. This prevents unwanted voice commands and accidental activations. Therefore, manual configuration is necessary.

Begin by navigating to the "Siri" menu within the Settings app, which we previously accessed. Scroll down to locate and select the "App Support" option.

The "App Support" screen displays a list of all installed applications that are capable of integrating with Siri. Simply toggle the switch next to each app to enable or disable Siri functionality.

If your list appears empty, consider exploring apps like Confide or WhatsApp for voice-activated messaging. Alternatively, Uber or Lyft allow ride requests via voice command.

For fitness enthusiasts, Fitso or Runtastic can be controlled with Siri to start and stop workouts. Financial transactions are also possible through voice commands with Venmo or Square Cash.

Further Reading: Utilizing Confide for Sending Self-Destructing iMessages

Discovering applications that offer this integration can be challenging, as the App Store lacks a dedicated search filter for Siri compatibility. However, Apple occasionally features a category titled "We love iOS 10 for apps" which may contain relevant options.

Within this featured section, a "Hey Siri" sub-category specifically highlights newly integrated Siri applications.

While the availability of this category is not guaranteed, it currently serves as the official resource for identifying Siri-compatible apps. Once an app is selected, either from our suggestions or through the featured list, verify its activation within the "App Support" menu.

Following this confirmation, you can initiate commands using your voice.

Leveraging New Voice Commands

The specific wording required to activate each integrated application varies somewhat; consulting the app's description or the developer’s blog will provide a comprehensive list of commands. However, a common pattern exists, involving the invocation of the app’s name followed by a relevant trigger phrase.

For instance, utilizing the Runtastic application, a running session can be initiated through voice control by stating, "Siri, start a 5 mile run with Runtastic."

Commanding Messaging Applications

With messaging apps like Confide, more conversational requests are possible. You can dictate a message such as, "Send [contact name] Confide message that says [message here]."

Following the dictated message, confirmation can be provided either by tapping the screen or verbally responding "Send" when prompted by Siri. The message will then be dispatched to the intended recipient.

Despite being a relatively new development in Siri integration, this functionality represents a growing trend. Continued monitoring of this space is recommended as an increasing number of developers incorporate Siri commands into their applications.