Apple Highlights 'Scribble to Siri' Feature on iPadOS 18.1 in Interview - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Highlights 'Scribble to Siri' Feature on iPadOS 18.1 in Interview

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 Scribble Feature
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.

Apple previously confirmed that iPadOS 18.1 will be released to the public next 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 SiriScribble 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.

Related Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18

Popular Stories

HomePod mini and Apple TV Sage

New Apple TV and HomePod Mini Are 'Nearly Ready' to Launch, New Siri Remote Also Rumored

Sunday May 31, 2026 8:47 am PDT by
New models of the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are "nearly ready to go," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Both devices have been ready "for months," but Apple is holding off on launching them until the more personalized version of Siri is available, he said. "I am told the hardware for the next Apple TV...
Apple Wallet

iOS 27 Will Add Two New Apple Wallet Features to Your iPhone

Monday June 1, 2026 12:15 pm PDT by
Apple is set to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8, and the update will reportedly include two new Apple Wallet features. First, iOS 27 will reportedly let users create their own digital passes by scanning items like movie tickets, concert passes, and gym membership cards. Many apps already offer Apple Wallet passes, but now users will be able to create a custom...
Apple Foldable Thumb

First 'Confirmed' iPhone Ultra Color Allegedly Revealed in Leaked Image

Monday June 1, 2026 4:39 am PDT by
Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone later this year. Rumors suggest the "iPhone Ultra" will come in two color options, and a leaker shared an image today that allegedly shows one of them. Posted on Weibo by the Chinese leaker known as Ice Universe, the image purportedly offers a first glimpse of Apple's foldable in white. The device is believed to have entered early mass...

Top Rated Comments

mrat93 Avatar
21 months ago
Finally, an inconvenient way to use Siri.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
21 months ago
They should call this new feature Newton! :)
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrr Avatar
21 months ago
Now, if only the iPhone Pro Max would support the Apple Pencil…
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Flight Plan Avatar
21 months ago
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.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
21 months ago
“Scribble“ the input, which will ironically also match the output from Siri
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chungry Avatar
21 months ago
eat up Martha?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)