Powerful Siri \"On-Screen Awareness\"
Siri Can Now Understand Whatās On Your Screen
Appleās new, smarter Siri includes a useful feature called on-screen awareness. In simple terms, Siri can recognize information displayed on your iPhone or iPad and help you do something with it.
In the video, Bill demonstrates the feature using a poster advertising an open gym event. After pointing the iPhoneās camera at the poster and selecting Siri in the Camera app, Siri identifies the eventās dates and times. With one tap, those details can be added directly to the Calendarāwithout manually typing everything.
The same idea can work with information displayed in emails and text messages. For example, suppose a friend sends you a message saying, āLetās have dinner Saturday at 7:00 at Joeās Steakhouse.ā
While viewing the message, you may be able to ask Siri to add the dinner to your calendar. Because Siri understands what āthisā refers to on the screen, it can use the details already displayed.
You may also be able to ask Siri to reply to the message with something like, āGreat, Iāll see you there.ā
These capabilities require a newer iPhone or iPad that supports Appleās new Siri AI features. You can check by opening Settings and looking for the new Siri section. If it doesnāt appear, your device may not support the feature.
This is just one example of how on-screen awareness can save time and reduce typing. As Siri becomes better at understanding what youāre viewing, it may help you complete more everyday tasks simply by asking.
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Video #2: Your iPhoneās New Anti-Scam Warning System
Scammers often pretend to be a bank, government agency, Apple representative or even a family member. They create a sense of panic and pressure you to transfer money, change a password or reveal private information.
Appleās new Impersonation Risk Detection feature is designed to provide an extra warning during situations like these.
When you attempt a sensitive actionāsuch as transferring money or changing important account informationāa participating banking or financial app can ask your iPhone to check for signs that you may be caught in an active scam.
Your iPhone examines certain patterns surrounding the activity. It then gives the app a general risk assessment. Depending on the result, the app might display a warning, delay the transaction or ask you to verify your identity.
Apple says the feature does not read the contents of your photos, text messages or email. The participating app receives a risk level, not the private information used to calculate it.
To turn it on:
Open Settings.
Tap Privacy & Security.
Tap Impersonation Risk Detection.
Turn on Share with App Developers.
The feature requires iOS or iPadOS 27 and works only with third-party apps that support it.
One especially important warning: If someone tells you to turn this feature off, you may already be dealing with a scammer.
Impersonation Risk Detection cannot guarantee that every transaction is safe. Think of it as another helpful voice asking, āAre you sure?ā
If anyone pressures you to move money or reveal personal information, stop and contact the company yourself using a phone number you trust.
Got Questions? š¤ Weāre Here To Help!
Iām happy to report that several readers of the Tech Made Friendly newsletter have already reached out via email with questions about their iPhones or iPads.
If thereās something specific happening on your device, this is your invitation to get in touch. I canāt guarantee that Iāll have the answer to every issue, but itās always good to have another set of eyes on a problem, right?
You can get in touch several different ways. If you watch one of the videos on YouTube, leave your question in the comments below the video.
Or, you can write to me directly at: Bill@TechMadeFriendly.com
I look forward to hearing from you!
Bill Sklodowski
I've been helping people with technology - computers, phones, tablets and more - for about three decades! I've worked for companies like Apple and Sony in training and support positions, and I've taught Adult Ed classes for local school and University-based programs.
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