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Siri to Add Gender-Neutral Voice for iOS 15.4, Report Says

Among the reported updates for Apple's operating system is a gender-neutral voice addition for Siri.

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Apple will reportedly expand Siri's voice repertoire. 

Patrick Holland/CNET

Apple is reportedly adding a new voice option for Siri that is gender neutral. This voice option for English speakers was added Tuesday to the latest beta version of iOS 15.4, according to Axios

Apple is continuing to test updates for iOS 15.4. It will be the next version of iOS 15, which initially launched in fall 2021. So far, the beta version of iOS 15.4 also includes new batch of emojis, security fixes, a Face ID refresh and Universal Control. iOS 15.4 is due to roll out sometime in the spring. 

Apple didn't immediately respond to CNET's request for comment but told Axios that it's "excited to introduce a new Siri voice for English speakers, giving users more options to choose a voice that speaks to them."

Last year, Apple removed Siri's female voice as the default when it launched iOS 14.5, giving iPhone and iPad users in the US the ability to select their own voice preference. In efforts to boost diversity, the company also added two new Black voices with American accents for the digital assistant. Currently, Siri's English-language choices include British, American, Irish, Indian, Australian and South African accents. 

Though Apple has not made an official announcement, it's rumored the company will host its next product event on March 8 with plans to unveil new devices and features.

Watch this: What to Expect With Apple's Next Event