The latest beta version of iOS 15.4 adds a fifth American voice option for the English-speaking SIRI voice assistant. Apple lists it as 'Voice 5'. However, iOS developer Steve Moser refers to the name of the new sound file as 'Quinn'.
This type of voice was available less than a year after Apple added two additional American voice options for SIRI, namely Voice 3 and Voice 4. At that time, Apple decided to stop using the default voice.
Axios reports that the new voices added in the iOS 15.4 beta sound more gender-neutral than previous SIRI voices. Apple has also confirmed reports that the voices were recorded from members of the LGBTQ+ community, though the company has not provided further details about their identities.
In the last year, added voice options were recorded from black actors. This is intended as part of what Apple says is the company's longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
"We're excited to introduce the new SIRI voice for English speakers, giving users more options to choose the voice that speaks to them," Apple told Axios, referring to a fifth American voice.
According to Apple, millions of people worldwide depend on SIRI to help get things done every day. "So we're working to make the experience as personal as possible."
In addition to the new voice for the SIRI assistant, the latest beta version of iOS 15.4 also includes new anti-stalker privacy when setting up AirTags. The official release date for this software has yet to be announced by Apple, but it is expected to be widely available next month.