Apple’s next-gen AirPods may respond to hands-free Siri voice commands

Enlarge (credit: Valentina Palladino)
Apple released the first beta of iOS 12.2 to developers yesterday, and it reportedly hints at new features for upcoming AirPods. According to a report by 9to5Mac, a currently hidden setup screen suggests that new AirPods will be able to be configured to respond to 'Hey Siri' voice commands without prompting them with a tap of your finger.
The setup screen looks similar to other 'Hey Siri' prompts for devices like the iPhone. Reportedly, the setup is the same as well—users configure Siri to respond to their own voices rather than the voices of others. The difference is that this configuration allows AirPods to recognize 'Hey Siri' voice commands on their own. With current AirPod models, users must tap on the side of an AirPod before asking anything of Siri, otherwise the AirPods will not listen for the command.
If this feature is indeed coming, it means that new AirPods will be able to hear 'Hey Siri' commands without needing to be tapped first. As long as your iPhone is nearby (even if it's in your pocket), you can ask Siri to answer questions and get information for you hands-free.
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