Apple plans massive change to popular iPhone feature – just as company prepares to unveil new VR headset

APPLE is reportedly changing the way people can summon Siri in its new iOS 17.

Later today, the tech giant will unveil the operating system that’ll accompany its brand new iPhone 15, which is set to be released in the coming months.

Apple planning on simplifying the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase to just “Siri,” according to a Bloomberg report

Apple’s well anticipated Reality Pro mixed reality headset, which is also set to be unveiled today, is pegged to help the Metaverse finally take off

But before Apple could make the announcement, a report from Bloomberg suggests there is a change coming to the company’s virtual assistant.

Apple is planning on simplifying the “Hey Siri” trigger phrase to just “Siri,” according to the report.

“While that might seem like a small change, making the switch is a technical challenge that requires a significant amount of AI training and underlying engineering work,” the report said.

“The complexity involves Siri being able to understand the singular phrase “Siri” in multiple different accents and dialects.

“Having two words — “Hey Siri” — increases the likelihood of the system properly picking up the signal.”

The move has been rumoured since November last year.

But with Apple’ iPhone 15 release just around the corner – 16 years after the company’s first smartphone release – it appears time for a change.

Apple will unveil iOS 17 at its Worldwide Developer Conference later today.

Alongside iOS 17, Apple will reveal the new operating systems for its iPads, Macs, TVs and watches.

But most importantly – it’s well anticipated Apple Reality Pro mixed reality headset, which is pegged to help the Metaverse finally take off, will finally take the stage.

There are few details surrounding the VR headset so far, with much more to be revealed later today – or this evening in the UK.

Rumours suggest the headset could start at an eyewatering $3,000 (£2,400) price point.

However, insiders say the lofty price is likely to be a result of the high-end components that have boosted the headset to a significantly higher performance than its competitors.

It should also be noted that onlookers believed the first iPad to be much more expensive that it actually was when it was finally retailed.

Leaked designs suggest that the headset will look like a combination of the AirPods Max and an Apple Watch with similar aluminium finishes.

While the onlookers will catch their first glimpse of the headset today, the new bit of tech is not forecast to land on shelves until much later in the year – perhaps even around the Christmas period.

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