Skip to main content

Rumor: Fully integrated voice control coming to iPhone 5

AssistantiPhone 5 mania is beginning to reach a fever pitch as the rumored September launch date draws nearer. Of course, most of the hype continues to revolve around the timing of its release rather than the handset itself. Thankfully, a new report gives us a look at what would be a pretty significant upgrade to the next-gen model.

9to5 Mac claims that Apple wants to outfit the iPhone 5 with voice control. Using technology acquired in its purchase of Siri and partnership with Nuance, the smartphone will include a native voice command application called Assistant. Apparently Assistant will be an iOS 5 feature but come packaged with the iPhone 5 introduction to drive more attention to the phone – as if that were necessary. But if this is the case, older handset users will be able to use the new function as well.

iphone voice controlAssistant would function similarly to the Siri iPhone app, which takes you voice command and finds what you need based on information it securely curates (most specifically your location). If you want to get a taste of Assistant, download the Siri app (free) and give it a spin. Unlike Siri, Assistant would of course be fully integrated into iOS 5 which means it would have fewer limitations accessing iPhone data and requests would be nearly unlimited. It will also reportedly be able to respond to the users’ commands.

If Assistant turns out to be everything we’re hearing, it would be an incredibly impressive feature to package with iOS 5, as well as with the iPhone 5. The iPhone already functions as a personal aid for most owners, and is used for planning, navigating, and discovery. Freeing up your hands and eyes and still be able to put the iPhone through its paces would be a welcomed step forward.

Before you get too excited though, we should tell you it’s possible Assistant will still be in development when the iPhone 5 ships. Apple is likely to want such a feature to be nearly perfect before it hits handsets – and fingers crossed, that’s not too far out.

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
iOS 18 could add a customization feature I’ve waited years for
iOS 17 interactive widgets on an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iOS 18 is coming later this year, and all signs point to it being a dramatic iPhone update. Now, thanks to one new report, it looks like iOS 18 could add a customization feature I've been waiting years and years and years for: better home screen customization.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 18 will introduce a "more customizable" home screen. More specifically, iOS 18 will allow you to place app icons and widgets anywhere you want. If you want a space or break between an app icon or your widget, welcome to the future: iOS 18 may finally let you do that. MacRumors corroborated this report with its own sources, too.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more