Alexa App on iPad Can Now Initiate Phone/Video Calls and Send Messages to Echo Devices - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Alexa App on iPad Can Now Initiate Phone/Video Calls and Send Messages to Echo Devices

by

Amazon is now allowing users to make phone calls, video calls, and send messages from an iPad, Android, or Fire tablet to an Alexa-enabled Echo device. Previously, users had to activate calls or send messages using an Echo, so now it should be easier to communicate within Amazon's Alexa ecosystem (via Engadget). To receive calls, users need any device with the Alexa app installed or an Echo speaker.

amazon alexa app increase
The update also introduces Drop In support for the Alexa app on iPads and other tablets, meaning that iPad users can quickly send a message to someone near an Echo in a different room. Engadget noted that the new features are easiest to access on Amazon's own Fire HD 10 tablet, where Alexa is supported across the software, but iPad users will of course first have to open the Alexa iOS app to initiate calls and send messages.

Amazon's Alexa assistant has been in the news recently for scaring some users after creepily laughing for no apparent reason. Amazon has acknowledged the events and said it's working on a fix to roll out to affected users. Additionally, late last week Alexa gained a new "Follow-Up Mode," which lets the assistant respond to multiple questions in quick succession, without requiring the user to repeat the "Alexa" wake up command.

Amazon Alexa is available on the iOS App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tags: Alexa, Amazon, Amazon Echo

Top Rated Comments

GadgetBen Avatar
GadgetBen
107 months ago
Meanwhile, I cannot ask my HomePod to find my phone or make a call...
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
9
9081094
107 months ago
Siri is dead. As is maps, iCloud, Macs, iWork and so much more things Apple has been neglected the last couple of years. It’s an embarrassment for a company reaping in profits and neglect to invest in future improvements.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
npmacuser5 Avatar
npmacuser5
107 months ago
Siri put on a plan of assistance until her performance meets expectations. If the plan of assistance not successful, Siri will need to seek other employment opportunities. In the meantime, Alexa will take over her responsibilities. :(
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

imac video apple feature

Apple Released Two New Accessories This Month

Friday May 22, 2026 12:24 pm PDT by
May has been a quiet stretch in terms of new Apple products, but the company did release two accessories on its online store this month. First up was a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. U.S. pricing is set at $49. The band is part of Apple's 2026 Pride Collection, which also includes a new Pride...
Read Full Article
Apple Event Logo

Apple to Release These 15 New Products Later This Year

Friday May 22, 2026 6:36 am PDT by
April and May have been relatively slow months for Apple this year, but there is a lot to look forward to heading into WWDC 2026 and beyond. Apple is expected to release at least 15 more products later this year, with some of them held up until the more personalized version of Siri launches. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches in September, Apple's all-new smart...
Read Full Article • 33 comments
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
Read Full Article