Key points
- iPadOS 27.2 introduces a Siri popup that appears when text is selected on the device.
- This feature mirrors functionality recently added to macOS 27 Golden Gate.
- The popup requires a connected trackpad to function with the hover interaction.
Apple has added a new way to access Siri on the iPad by bringing over a feature from its desktop operating system. According to 9to5Mac, iPadOS 27.2 includes a popup that appears when users select text, allowing them to ask Siri questions about the highlighted content without opening a separate app or menu.
How it unfolded
- macOS 27 Golden Gate introduced a Siri icon that appears in the top-left corner of selected text.
- iPadOS 27 launched with Siri AI but did not include this specific text-selection popup feature.
- iPadOS 27.2 adds this Mac-style interaction, scheduled to launch next week according to 9to5Mac.
Who is affected
iPad users who connect a trackpad to their device will see this change most directly. The new interface element relies on cursor interaction, specifically hovering over the small Siri icon that appears near the selection. Users without a trackpad will still have access to Siri through the standard edit menu, but they will not experience the seamless hover-to-expand behavior described in the report.
What happens next
The update is set to release next week. Once installed, users with trackpads can select text in various apps to see the small Siri icon. Hovering over this icon expands it into an 'Ask Siri' text box, providing a quick path to query the assistant about the selected information. This aligns iPad interactions more closely with the desktop experience.
The background in plain language
Modern operating systems often share features between desktop and mobile platforms to create a consistent user experience. When a feature moves from a mouse-driven environment to a touch-based one, it may require input accessories like trackpads to preserve specific interactions such as hovering. Teams usually evaluate whether a desktop convenience adds value to mobile workflows. Check whether your device supports the necessary input methods to utilize these cross-platform features effectively.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Verify that your iPad model supports external trackpad connectivity before expecting this specific interaction.
- Update your device to iPadOS 27.2 when it becomes available to access the new Siri integration.
- Test the feature by selecting text in various apps to see where the popup appears.
- Review your Siri settings to ensure the assistant is enabled and configured for text-based queries.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost
General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Siri popup work on iPadOS 27.2 without a trackpad?
No, the hover-based popup requires a trackpad; users without one must use the edit menu to access Siri.
Which macOS version introduced this feature first?
The feature was introduced in macOS 27 Golden Gate before being added to iPadOS.
When is iPadOS 27.2 releasing?
According to 9to5Mac, the update is scheduled to launch next week.
