Apple has officially launched Vietnamese language support for Siri, breathing new life and functionality for Vietnamese iPhone users after nearly 15 years of anticipation. This enhancement, which launched on February 25, 2025, allows users to interact with Siri using their native language, enabling tasks such as making calls, sending messages, and controlling devices through voice commands.
The changes were made public with the release of the iOS 18.4 Developer Beta version. Now, Vietnamese users can engage Siri not only by asking questions but also by issuing commands, providing them with a more seamless and localized experience. According to Hoàng Linh, "This is a significant step, enabling users to interact naturally with Siri using their mother tongue."
To access this new functionality, users must have devices updated to at least iOS 18. The compatible devices include models from iPhone 11 through iPhone 16 Pro Max. To activate Siri’s Vietnamese feature, users first need to navigate to their Settings, select General, and then Software Update. Once the device has been updated, they can access Siri settings under Apple Intelligence and change the language preference to "Vietnamese."
After the successful update, users will also be able to choose from four voice options: male and female voices representing both Northern and Southern dialects. These options cater to regional preferences within Vietnam, making the experience feel personalized and realistic.
While the addition of Vietnamese language support brings many advantages, there are some caveats. Users should note, as indicated by Apple, with the current AI functionalities, Apple Intelligence does not yet support the Vietnamese language, which could limit the overall experience for users. "Users need to wait after updating iOS for optimal performance from Siri," reads part of the guidance provided within the update instructions. It may take some time for Siri to process commands accurately after the initial setup, as users might experience processing errors or delays initially.
Also included in the recent software update is Priority Notifications, which allow the most important alerts to pop up prominently on the lock screen, ensuring users remain abreast of key communications. This feature can be enabled through the notifications settings. Another useful addition is the Sketch mode added to Image Playground, offering users the ability to create images through sketching styles, along with updates to the Genmoji feature found on emoji keyboards.
Besides these additions align with Siri's local integration, Apple has also introduced the Food category within the Apple News+ service. This allows users easy access to thousands of carefully curated recipes from renowned culinary publications like Bon Appétit and Food & Wine, enabling them to save recipes for offline viewing and utilize Cook Mode for step-by-step guidance.
For those eager to explore these fresh upgrades, getting onto the new operating system is straightforward: Users will first access System Settings, locate Software Update, and select Public Beta updates for installation, ensuring they have reliable Wi-Fi access due to the update requiring substantial download size—estimated at 7.5GB for iPhones.
While current Vietnamese users of Siri may still encounter some limitations, the long-awaited feature is certainly poised to establish itself as particularly advantageous. Looking forward, Apple has committed to enhancing AI support for the Vietnamese language, with updates expected to arrive by 2025.
Overall, the introduction of Vietnamese language support for Siri marks a significant milestone for Apple, enhancing usability within the Vietnamese market and asserting its commitment to making technology more accessible to global communities.