How to Change Siri Voice on iPhone 16 (iOS 18) – Can You Get the Old Siri Back?

Is It Possible to Revert to the Old Siri Voice on iPhone 16 ?

Many iPhone users who have recently upgraded to the latest iPhone 16 and updated iOS have found themselves disappointed with the new Siri voice. A common concern being raised across forums and communities is whether it is possible to restore the previous version of Siri’s voice – particularly the friendly, upbeat female voice that many had grown used to over the years.

Why the Sudden Change in Siri’s Voice?

Apple occasionally updates Siri’s voice models to improve natural language processing and regional accents. With iOS updates, the voice files may change completely, and the previous versions may be removed from the system without any option to restore them.

In the latest iOS version, Siri’s voice has been described by some users as grumpy, harsh, or even robotic. These updates, while intended to be improvements, have not been welcomed by all. Many users express nostalgia for the old, calm, and pleasant voice that felt more personal and friendly.

Can the Old Siri Voice Be Restored on iPhone 16 ?

Short Answer: No.

Apple does not provide an option to revert to previous Siri voice models once they have been removed through iOS updates. The system only supports the currently available voices provided with the update.

What Can Be Done Instead?

Although reverting to older Siri voices is not possible, Apple does offer several customization options that can slightly improve the experience:

To Change Siri’s Voice:

Go to Settings.
Tap Siri & Search or Apple Intelligence & Siri (depending on your iOS version).
Select Siri Voice.
Choose from available accents (American, British, Indian, etc.) and genders.

By selecting different combinations, users may find a voice that better matches their preferences, though the classic voice is no longer available.

Why Are Users Frustrated?

Many users are frustrated not only by the change in tone and style of the voice but also because they feel the new voice lacks the warmth and clarity of the old one. Some have even shared personal stories – such as pets reacting to the old Siri’s voice or individuals with sensory sensitivities feeling distressed by the change.

Others express concern that the new voice feels less friendly or even rude, and some believe the decision to remove the old voice options without notice or choice is inconsiderate to users.

Final Thoughts

While the new voices may reflect technical advancements, many iPhone users feel that user preference and familiarity have been overlooked. For now, reverting to the old Siri voice is not possible, but Apple may take feedback into account in future updates.

Until then, users are encouraged to explore the available voice settings and share feedback directly with Apple via the Feedback Assistant or Apple Feedback website, which helps influence future updates.