For Telegram beta users, Siri’s Announce Messages feature is currently available.
The launch of this feature makes Telegram the first third-party app to allow Apple’s Siri to Announce Messages, The 8-Bit stated. So far, this functionality is only provided through Apple Notifications and the Home app. For over a year now, Apple has made this Siri API open to users. This hands-free mode allows Siri, when their iPhone or iPad is closed, to read an incoming post.
Siri plays a sound first then declares the name of the sender and reads out the messages. Users also can respond using Siri to the post.
This is now only open to Telegram beta users who do not yet have any word on the final release. Users of iPhones and iPads will participate in Telegram’s TestFlight beta program, for this feature to function on iPhones and iPads, iOS 13.2 and later are also needed. This functionality only works with headphones from Apple, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Solo Pro.
This functionality is yet to be introduced on other popular iOS messaging applications. On the other hand, on Telegram, WhatsApp and even Slack, Google Assistant will read and respond to messages. About a year ago, Google introduced this feature, which was only enabled through its Messages and Hangouts applications.
