Highlights
- Users can use voice assistant (Siri) to read, compose messages
- The version 2.17.20 update works for users running on Apple iOS 10.3 +
WhatsApp has updated the iOS version of its messaging app to treat its users with new features and bug fixes. One of the highlights, is that Siri has now the ability to read your WhatsApp messages aloud when you go handsfree.
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Besides the Siri feature, the update (v2.17.2) includes visual enhancement made to contacts info, calls tab. In the My Updates Screen of WhatsApp iPhone users, can now select multiple statuses in one go to forward or delete them. Also, the old Voice Call icon has been replaced with a “+” icon, which when tapped shows list of contacts for making both voice and video calls. The update has added support for Persian language users and the camera remembers its last state of usage.
The two-step verification security feature has also been redesigned making it easier for people to use.
Prior to this update WhatsApp users could send messages to their contacts through Siri.
This feature update is useful to the users to read messages, while they are driving or feeling too lazy to pick up their phone..
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What is needed to use Siri with WhatsApp?
The update will work for users with iOS 10.3+ version on their iPhone and WhatsApp version 2.17.2. You then need to allow Siri to access your WhatsApp data.
How to enjoy this functionality?
To enjoy this functionality, you will need to give Siri permission to use WhatsApp by following the steps below.
- Open Settings
- Tap Siri
- Tap App Support
- Toggle WhatsApp to enable
You need to simply say “Hey Siri, read out my last messages on WhatsApp” this way voice assistant will read out all the unread messages. Users can even reply to the messages, by dictating the messages to Siri directly.
Apart from this update, one of the big new features believed to be in the pipeline is a digital payments platform integrated into the app.
What Siri can’t do with WhatsApp?
There are certain limitations to Siri integration for example, it cannot find already read messages. Also, the message is not flagged as read after Siri reads it.