iPad Mini Supports Siri, iPad 2 Still Doesn't

Tuesday October 23, 2012 7:39 PM PDT by Arnold Kim

Apple's iPad comparison page shows the spec details between the iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPad with Retina Display. Of interest, the iPad mini supports Siri while the iPad 2 does not, despite sharing the same Dual-Core A5 processor as the iPad 2.

Before the launch, there was some speculation that there may have been technical reasons why the iPad 2 was not capable of supporting Siri. The new iPad mini does have internal improvements over the iPad 2 but does share the same A5 processor. It may also be possible there could have be microphone improvements with the new device, but Apple hasn't specified.

Related Roundups: iPad mini 4 (2015), iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Don't Buy), iPad (Neutral)
91 comments


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Zunjine
78 months ago
Oh man, the sense of entitlement and the childish whining is almost too much.

Not offering some new features (e.g., Siri) to older devices is not "planned obsolescence" because not adding new features doesn't stop your old features from working – the device is no less useful than it was the day before these new features were released for newer devices.

When you buy a device you buy the device as is. Any new features that are later given to you FOR FREE are a bonus. You have no right to expect them or demand them.

Furthermore, in this space, Apple offers better support than any other provider. Android devices rarely if ever get updates - and if they do it is often after months of waiting and with piles of carrier and manufacturer specific bloatware shovelled on top. People who bought Windows Phone 7 devices only this year have no upgrade path to Windows Phone 8 - none. But someone who still uses a 3GS which they bought three years ago can upgrade to iOS6 and enjoy 90% of the same functionality and the other, under the hood, benefits of that new OS that owners of a brand new iPhone 5 receive.

Are people happy? Do they feel well looked after and valued because the device they paid for three years ago(!) is still getting new, improved features for free? Most of them, yes. But others, not so much. They moan. They’re like children at Christmas, surrounded by presents, crying because one thing they wanted isn’t in the pile.
Rating: 22 Votes
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TMar
78 months ago
If they didn't hold back features then how could they dupe so many people into upgrades every year,
Rating: 21 Votes
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PeopleTheseDays
78 months ago
The iPad 2 can't support Siri because it is just too thin !!
Rating: 17 Votes
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WatchTheThrone
78 months ago
Of course it doesn't....Apple needs people to upgrade duh....
Rating: 15 Votes
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coder12
78 months ago

Really, should we worry about this? Is Siri really all that?


I find myself using it all the time. It's easier to say "Call my dad" while walking than to Power On >> Slide to Unlock >> Home >> Phone >> Favorites >> Parents' Home >> Call or to ask about places to eat or for directions. It's been quite the lifesaver for me when I find ways to integrate it with my workflow.
Rating: 15 Votes
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macingman
78 months ago

It is a licensing issue with Nuance - Apple setup deals for new devices - every iPad 2 has to play by the same rules - that is why there is no Siri

Proof?
Rating: 9 Votes
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Mindcrime
78 months ago
The iPad mini Wi-fi only doesn't have GPS, so I imagine the Siri functionality is limited --

Long press Home button....

"BOOP!"

"I want to drink coffee"

"Would you like to search the web for 'I want to drink coffee?'"

Long press....

"BOOP"

"Where is the closest coffee shop?"

"Would you like to search the web for 'Where is the nearest coffee shop?'"

"AARRGGH!"

"I'm sorry, Mindcrime, I do not understand what you mean."

"ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGH!"
Rating: 8 Votes
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MRU
78 months ago

It seems as if Apple is doing all they can to discourage the purchase of an iPad 2. They want people to go with the Mini.


So apple does not want the consumer to spend $399 so they blocked Siri forcing those that want it to spend $329 ???
Rating: 8 Votes
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RoboCop001
78 months ago

I'd say it's a licensing issue. Only devices created after acquisition of the siri company can have the feature, due to legal reasons.


Regardless of how likely it is, that is the most un-neurotic explanation I've heard about lack of Siri on a device. Well done! :D
Rating: 7 Votes
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musicpenguy
78 months ago
It is a licensing issue with Nuance - Apple setup deals for new devices - every iPad 2 has to play by the same rules - that is why there is no Siri
Rating: 7 Votes
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