Here's why Siri isn't glowing after iOS 18.1 update (and how to fix it)

Apple introduced a new feature called “Siri Glow” with the recent iOS 18.1 update that also tagged along some unwanted guests. It ditches the old-school bubble notification and bathes the edges of your screen in a cool glowing light animation while you chat with your virtual assistant. However, Siri’s glow isn’t available to everyone right away. It’s part of a new feature called Apple Intelligence, which is still under wraps. Don’t worry, it’s not a secret society for Siri superfans (although that would be kind of cool).

Apple Intelligence is like a training program for Siri, and there are a limited number of spots available at first. That’s why you need to join a waitlist to access it, and consequently, the glowy goodness that comes with it.

So, how do you get Siri to ditch the bubble and embrace the glow?

• Head over to your Settings.
• Tap on Apple Intelligence & Siri.
• Look for the option that says Join the Apple Intelligence Waitlist. Tap on it, and voila! You’re officially in line for Siri’s glow-up.

Apple says you should receive a notification within a few hours letting you know you’re good to go. Once you’re in, activating the glow is simple. Go back to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Toggle the switch next to Apple Intelligence to turn it on. Now, fire up Siri and witness the magic as your screen lights up like a mini rave while you chat with your AI pal.

You might be wondering why Apple has a waitlist for something as seemingly simple as a glowing light show. It all boils down to privacy and making sure Apple Intelligence works smoothly for everyone. This new feature involves processing some Siri requests on your device itself and in the cloud, which is a big change. By having a waitlist, Apple can ensure everything runs smoothly and securely before opening it up to everyone.

So, sit tight, and don’t fret if your Siri isn’t glowing just yet. The waitlist shouldn’t be too long, and soon you’ll be enjoying the full disco ball effect while you chat with your favorite virtual assistant.