Apple’s latest new feature on iOS 11.2.2 is one that allows Siri to provide audio-based news updates via the Podcasts app.
This feature was already seen in the iOS 11.2.5 beta but up until recently was no available on devices currently running the latest version of iOS. Testing has shown that it’s now available on devices running iOS 11.2, 11.2.2 and 11.2.5.
Now, when you ask Siri about the news of the day either via Hey Siri or a hands-free method, it will provide Podcast news from either NPR, CNN or The Washington Post. In other countries, such as the UK for example, audio news will come from the BBC, Sky News or LBC. Alternatively, activate Siri by using the Side or Home button on your device and ask about the news, and Siri will provide standard text-based news headlines rather than audio news.
This audio news feature seems to have been developed primarily for Apple’s upcoming HomePod Speaker as it is invoked when using “Hey Siri” or asking Siri about the news when using CarPlay or headphones. Essentially, it has been designed for situations when you’re unable to look at your device’s display.
It has been confirmed that this feature is working both in the US and the UK.
