Apple has officially rolled out its latest update, iOS 18.4, which marks a significant milestone in the evolution of its virtual assistant, Siri. For the first time since its inception, Siri now supports the Vietnamese language, allowing users to interact with their devices in a more personalized and culturally relevant manner. This update was officially released on April 1, 2025, and is compatible with all devices that have previously been updated to iOS 18, including the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 11 and later models.
To utilize Vietnamese Siri, users need to update their devices by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update. Once the update is installed, users can set up Siri in Vietnamese by going to Settings > Siri > Voice, where they can select the Vietnamese language and choose from four distinct voice options. Siri can be activated with the familiar phrase, "Hey, Siri," and users will be prompted to say five sentences in Vietnamese to help the assistant recognize their voice and pronunciation accurately.
This new feature allows users to perform a variety of tasks simply by using their voice. Whether it’s making phone calls, sending messages, checking the weather, or managing schedules, Siri can now assist users in their native language. This is particularly useful when users are engaged in activities that require their hands, such as driving, allowing them to interact with their devices without taking their eyes off the road. Moreover, Siri can also control compatible smart home devices through voice commands, making it easier to manage household tasks.
For instance, users can say, "Hey, Siri, directions to Notre Dame Cathedral," and a map will be displayed instantly on their screen. This integration of Vietnamese language support is not only a technological advancement but also a significant step towards making Siri more accessible and useful for the Vietnamese-speaking community.
Despite this major advancement, some users have reported that Siri's performance in Vietnamese is not yet fully seamless, particularly when handling complex commands. Additionally, while Siri can perform basic tasks in Vietnamese, it does not currently integrate with Apple Intelligence when the language is set to Vietnamese. Apple has stated that improvements in this area are expected in future updates.
In conjunction with the iOS 18.4 update, Apple has also introduced several enhancements across its product range, including updates for iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4. These updates include new features for the Photos app, a redesigned CarPlay interface, and improvements to Apple Intelligence and Image Playground.
Samsung, in response to the competitive landscape, has confirmed that its One UI 7 will be released in April, promising new AI upgrades, security improvements, and a refreshed interface for its Galaxy devices. Meanwhile, analyst Jeff Pu has indicated that Apple is preparing to begin production of samples for two foldable devices, with mass production slated for 2026.
As the tech landscape evolves, the introduction of Vietnamese language support for Siri is a welcome development for users in Vietnam. This feature not only enhances user experience but also reflects Apple's commitment to listening to and addressing the needs of its global customer base.
In summary, with iOS 18.4, Apple is not just optimizing performance and security; it is also making strides in inclusivity by enabling users to interact with technology in their native language. As Vietnamese-speaking users embrace this new capability, they can expect to see ongoing improvements and expansions in Siri's functionality, particularly regarding AI support and integration with local applications.
