Apple has released a developer preview of its rebuilt Siri AI as part of the iOS 27.3 beta, allowing every app developer to add custom Siri actions. This new model lets developers mark any function as a tool and describe it in plain language for Siri to invoke. The preview is restricted to developers' own builds and internal testers, meaning apps on the App Store do not yet gain the capability even if users install the iOS 27.3 beta.
The new Siri AI model allows cross-app actions, such as moving items from a shopping app to a messaging app. When a user asks Siri, the assistant reads the developer-provided descriptions and selects the most appropriate tool. Apple highlighted security concerns, noting that Siri can run from the lock screen and that hidden prompts could be used for "prompt injection", prompting the company to treat high-risk actions with extra confirmation.
A known issue in the iOS 27.3 beta may allow Siri to display data that should require device unlock, a bug that currently affects only internal testers. Apple says the feature will reach customers "in a few months", with App Store submissions for Siri-enabled apps expected to open in the spring. The company has not yet published detailed terms or pricing for developers integrating payments or sensitive data.
The rollout of the new Siri AI model excludes iPhones in the EU and users under 13. Kenyan iPhone users are not specifically barred; a Kenyan Apple account on an iPhone 15 Pro or newer set to English qualifies, although Swahili is not yet among the supported languages. This means that Kenyan users with compatible devices can potentially access the new Siri AI features when they are rolled out.
A check of 36 Kenyan App Store listings on November 5 found only Uber, WhatsApp, Spotify, and Telegram carrying the Siri label, while none of the major local banking or payment apps such as KCB, Equity, NCBA, M-PESA, or eCitizen showed support. This suggests that few Kenyan apps currently support the new Siri AI features, although more may be added when the feature is rolled out to the App Store.
Apple released the developer preview of its rebuilt Siri AI on November 3, allowing developers to start building custom Siri actions into their apps. The company says that it will treat high-risk actions with extra confirmation, highlighting security concerns. This includes actions that could potentially be used for malicious purposes, such as "prompt injection".
The new Siri AI model has the potential to greatly expand the capabilities of Siri, allowing users to perform complex actions across multiple apps. With the rollout expected to happen in the spring, iPhone users can look forward to a more integrated and powerful Siri experience. Key points include:
Key points
- Apple releases developer preview of rebuilt Siri AI, allowing custom actions for all apps.
- The feature will reach App Store users in the spring, with submissions expected to open in a few months.
- The rollout excludes iPhones in the EU and users under 13, with Kenyan users able to access the features on compatible devices.
