With iOS 10, Apple opened Siri to third-party developers with a public API, allowing the personal assistant to summon third-party services and apps hands-free.
Two of the first apps to make use of the new Siri SDK are WhatsApp Messenger and ride-hailing app Uber, both of which issued updates for their flagship apps this week.
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Uber users can now hail a ride with a "Hey, Siri" command, followed by "Book me an Uber" or other variants. Apple has also allowed the ride-hailing service to be integrated into Apple Maps under a new Ride tab, where users can choose from a list of available drivers in the area. As pointed out by MacRumors readers, Lyft has also been updated to support both functions.
WhatsApp users meanwhile can now use Siri to dictate and send messages as well as initiate calls.
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WhatsApp also becomes one of the first third-party apps to make use of CallKit, Apple's new framework that enables VoIP calls to function in iOS 10 like FaceTime and regular cellular calls. VoIP service Viber also supports the feature.
After updating the app, incoming WhatsApp calls appear in the lock screen showing the caller's profile picture and the typical call response buttons. In addition, WhatsApp contacts are now integrated into the native Contacts app in iOS 10, and also appear in the Phone app's Favorites. The WhatsApp update includes a number of other enhancements, including the ability to forward multiple chats at once.
To enable Siri integration for the apps, users should go to Settings -> Siri -> App Support and toggle the relevant switches to the on position. Users should expect plenty more third-party Siri integrations to appear in the coming months.
WhatsApp Messenger is a free download for iPhone available on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Uber is a free download for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Lyft is a free download for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Viber is a free download for iPhone and iPad available on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
I hope that YouTube (google) start to cooperate with Siri app support, although I know that they have their own voice command embedded in their apps.
"Hey Siri, can you ask google now to show me a YouTube video by..."It would be very cool to ask Siri to show a specific video on YouTube.
Actually Lyft did it first but what do I know
Not picking on your comment specifically but I've noticed several "Lyft did it first" type posts. We're four days past iOS 10 release, do we really need to split hairs over who made it through the app store approval process first? I realize Lyft is the underdog here to the 800 lb Uber gorilla but one day faster to app store isn't something I'd be using to differentiate. Perhaps posts would be better served talking about your happiness that Lyft is using Siri integration due to being a fan of the company, it's culture, it's pricing, etc... If you are a big Lyft fan (I'm guessing those who notice a one day difference in app release dates are) then here's a chance to talk about *why* you are so found of their service and I'd bet being a day earlier to Siri integration isn't in your top ten of reasons.I'm sorry.... OH? Did you mean HO? Or is that a new shortening for something else?
Other half, thought it was a pretty common abbreviation?!