In 2020, iPadOS 14 was released with a "Scribble" feature that automatically converts any handwriting written with the Apple Pencil into typed text. Scribble works in any text field, and this means the feature works with the revamped Siri on iPadOS 18.1.
iPadOS 18.1 introduces the first Apple Intelligence features, including the ability to type to Siri in an on-screen overlay. Given that Scribble works in any text field, this means you can now write a Siri query with an Apple Pencil and it will automatically be converted to typed text. Apple highlighted this "Scribble to Siri" feature, and discussed the new iPad mini, in an interview with TechRadar's Jacob Krol this week.
Scribble works with any Apple Pencil, but the revamped version of Siri is limited to devices with Apple Intelligence, including iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini models equipped with the M1 chip, M2 chip, M4 chip, or A17 Pro chip.
Scribble to Siri (Credit: TechRadar)
Typing to Siri technically already existed as an accessibility setting, but you could not easily switch between typing and talking to Siri like you can now.
Read the full interview with Apple marketing employees Tom Boger and Kurt Knight on TechRadar for more details about Scribble to Siri and more.
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I look forward to this feature. I look forward to trying this feature. And I look forward to deciding for myself whether or not I like the feature, and whether I will use it or not. Thank you MacRumors for telling me about it. Thank you MacRumors mob, for telling me you hate it even before you have tried it.
There are a few folks who are willing to withhold their pessimism and see if this is going to be a good thing. I'm with you folks. "Wait and see" is a good plan.
I used to use Scribble but it always deactivated my iPad's on-screen keyboard. Is that fixed?
I would think that people would like to use a combination of both Pencil and the keyboard –– at least that's how it feels it should be used. The Pencil exclusively is not a good text input mechanism.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
Scribble to Siri (Credit: TechRadar)
