Apple has released iOS 12.2 beta for developers. This update brings quite a few changes and feature, it also includes a new setup screen that’s used when configuring AirPods and this is currently hidden. This new setup screen clearly states that the user will be able to talk to Siri with AirPods or iPhone by saying “Hey, Siri”.
When pairing the new, yet to be announced AirPods, users will be asked to set up “Hey, Siri”, just like it can be set up for other devices such as iPhones and iPads. The main difference from using “Hey, Siri” with these new AirPods is that the new AirPods themselves will do the recognition; it sends the command to the paired device and you’ll be able to use Siri while your iPhone is in your pocket without having to tap on your AirPods.
Rumors regarding the new AirPods has been in the news for a long time now and support for “Hey Siri” has been the top listed feature. The introduction video of the iPhone XS and XR showed a person at Apple Park using “Hey, Siri” with their AirPods. Reports suggest that the new generation AirPods would be launched in the first half of 2019, including new health monitoring features. Judging by the new feature inclusion to the iOS update, it is likely that Apple is announced these new AirPods soon, probably in time for the release of the public version of iOS 12.2 sometime later this year.