Perplexity’s Voice Assistant: What Siri in iOS 18.4 Should Have Been
As Apple enthusiasts anxiously anticipate the long-awaited redesign of Siri, many are feeling disappointed with the minor enhancements in iOS 18.4. While Apple’s AI aspirations remain in a state of uncertainty, Perplexity—a burgeoning contender in the AI assistant realm—has made a significant advancement. The latest update to its iOS application introduces an innovative Voice Mode that not only competes with Siri but may even exceed it in both functionality and user experience.
What Is Perplexity’s Voice Assistant?
Perplexity’s Voice Assistant is a fresh feature incorporated into the company’s iOS app. It utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to carry out a variety of tasks through natural language voice commands. In contrast to Siri, which is constrained by Apple’s ecosystem and varying performance, Perplexity’s assistant aims to be swift, contextually aware, and able to execute complex, multi-application tasks.
Key Features That Outshine Siri
1. Multi-App Integration
Perplexity’s Voice Assistant can effortlessly communicate with multiple apps and services on your iPhone. For instance, you can request it to:
– Arrange a ride to the airport using Uber or Lyft.
– Dispatch emails or calendar invitations.
– Reschedule appointments or create reminders.
– Stream podcasts, YouTube videos, or music.
2. Contextual Understanding
The assistant can comprehend and react to intricate inquiries like “Locate the podcast my friend shared with me last week” or “Secure a dinner reservation for tomorrow evening.” This kind of contextual understanding has been a longstanding challenge for Siri.
3. Real-Time Web Browsing
Perplexity’s assistant leverages real-time web browsing to access the latest information. Whether you seek the most recent news, restaurant evaluations, or travel alerts, it can provide accurate results instantly.
4. Action Button Compatibility
For users with the iPhone 15 Pro or newer, Perplexity’s Voice Assistant can be linked to the Action Button, enhancing accessibility and convenience. This transforms your iPhone into a powerful AI center with just one touch.
A Glimpse Into Apple’s Missed Opportunity
At WWDC 2024, Apple hinted at an advanced, more competent Siri driven by generative AI. However, delays and internal restructuring have deferred the timeline for a comprehensive Siri upgrade into the future. In contrast, Perplexity has offered an operational, user-friendly voice assistant today—without requiring extensive system-level access.
While Apple’s version may ultimately provide closer integration with iOS, Perplexity’s innovation illustrates what is achievable with existing technology. It serves as a wake-up call for Apple and a victory for users who desire more from their digital assistants now, rather than years down the road.
How to Try It
Perplexity’s iOS app is free to download from the App Store. While the essential features are available to all users, a subscription might be necessary to access premium AI models and additional functionalities.
Download: Perplexity – Ask Anything on the App Store
Final Thoughts
Perplexity’s Voice Assistant is transformative in the mobile AI landscape. It’s quick, smart, and astonishingly useful—everything Siri in iOS 18.4 should have been. As Apple continues to enhance its AI strategy, Perplexity is already establishing a new benchmark for what users should expect from a voice assistant in 2025.
Whether you are a power user or simply seeking a better way to interact with your iPhone, Perplexity’s latest update is definitely worth checking out.
