Microsoft Testing Revamped Version of Cortana App for iOS - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Microsoft Testing Revamped Version of Cortana App for iOS

by

Microsoft is testing a version of its Cortana app for iOS and Android devices that features a major interface overhaul and new features, according to Windows Central.

The updated app, which is being tested by beta testers, features a user interface that's focused on conversational experiences with Cortana, along with support for music and podcast suggestions, and a focus on setting reminders, timers, and meetings.

cortanaappuiupdates
For those unfamiliar with Cortana, it is Microsoft's personal assistant, available on Microsoft devices and other devices through iOS and Android apps. It is equivalent to Apple's Siri, Samsung's Bixby, and Google's Google Assistant.

Full release notes for the new features in the current beta are below:

- An update to the UI enabling conversational experiences with Cortana and a new place to manage and set up your Cortana devices

- Listen to music and podcasts on the go. Just ask Cortana to play your favorite tunes and podcasts with Spotify, iHeartRadio, and TuneIn on your phone or through a paired Bluetooth device

- Stay organized and on task. Set reminders, timers and create meetings with your voice

- Join your next Skype or Teams meeting by simply asking Cortana. You can also manage your calendar or send a quick email by voice

Following the beta testing period for the app, the new features with the redesigned interface will roll out to the official Cortana for iOS app. Cortana for iOS can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

BaccaBossMC Avatar
103 months ago
They could discontinue the Cortana app, or Cortana altogether, and everyone would be better off as R&D resources could be spent on something more useful, such as ensuring future versions of Windows don't delete everyone's files.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ArtOfWarfare Avatar
103 months ago
Remind me why I care.

Siri is very convenient - I can use her without having to add and launch another app. But it doesn't make up for the fact that she's not intelligent or useful.

Cortana is maybe slightly more intelligent, but again, not convenient. Seems not useful.

Why are all these systems voice based? Why not make them touch or text based?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kangastu Avatar
103 months ago
Opening an app to use a voice assistant seems really pointless to me? If it’s not native and at your call seems like a waste of time?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
srminton Avatar
103 months ago
Remind me why I care.

Siri is very convenient - I can use her without having to add and launch another app. But it doesn't make up for the fact that she's not intelligent or useful.

Cortana is maybe slightly more intelligent, but again, not convenient. Seems not useful.

Why are all these systems voice based? Why not make them touch or text based?
It's really for MSFT diehards who are only using an iPhone due to the lack of a Windows Phone alternative and aren't happy about it. Everyone else will either use Siri because it's built-in to the phone at system level, which makes it way more convenient and capable, or not use a voice assistant at all. It's not even like Cortana is significantly better than Siri, in the way you can argue that Alexa is. Even then, it would have to be at least 10 times better to make it worthwhile, given that all it's really good for without system access is searching the web and controlling its own app. (Again, unlike Alexa, which people will use to do things like control their smart home devices and speakers).
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone Handoff iOS 27 Feature

T-Mobile to Charge $5 a Month for iOS 27 iPhone Handoff

Thursday September 10, 2026 3:58 pm PDT by
T-Mobile will charge customers $5 per month to use iPhone Handoff, an e-SIM feature that allows the same phone number to be used on two separate iPhones. iPhone Handoff requires carrier support, and at launch, only T-Mobile users in the U.S. and Deutsche Telekom users in Germany will be able to use it. T-Mobile says customers can use their number across two compatible iPhone models and...
iOS 27 Feature Dark

Apple Announces iOS 27 Release Date

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:46 am PDT by
At its event today unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and more, Apple announced that iOS 27 will be released later this month. iOS 27 has already been available as a developer beta since June and as a public beta since July, and Apple today said that the update will be released for all users with a compatible iPhone model on Monday, September 14. iOS 27 is...
iphone duo

IMAX Reacts to iPhone Duo's 1:1.4 Aspect Ratio Displays

Friday September 11, 2026 4:42 am PDT by
Production theater company IMAX has responded in a mixed way to Apple's embrace of a 1:1.4 aspect ratio on the iPhone Duo's inner and outer displays. The boxier ratio happens to be very close to the classic "full-frame" IMAX 1.43:1 aspect ratio, which comes from the geometry of the company's original 15-perforation/70mm film system. In response to an X post from someone wondering if we'll see...