Apple's iOS 11.2.5 update means Siri can now read you the news

Siri just gained an important new ability: reading the news.

Apple's latest iOS update, rolling out now to iPhone and iPads, adds support for Siri's new news-reading powers.

SEE ALSO:At long last, the Apple HomePod has a release date

The update, which comes just a few weeks ahead of the HomePod's official launch date, is similar to the daily news briefings you can get via Google Assistant on Google Home speakers.

Saying "hey Siri, give me the news," will start an audio news briefing going over some of the day's top headlines and news stories. The feature uses The Washington Postas a default, according to 9to5Mac, but you can switch over to streams from NPR, CNN and Fox News as well.

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Previously, Siri could surface headlines from Apple News or search results, but this marks the first time Apple's assistant is able to deliver audio briefings.

The update is meant to coincide with the upcoming launch of Apple's Siri-enabled HomePod speaker. HomePod owners can use the same "Hey Siri, give me the news," command to get the briefings via the speaker.

News and podcasts are standard features for home speakers, but adding news-reading abilities to Siri on iOS devices is a nice benefit for those who don't want to shell out $349 for a HomePod just yet.

Elsewhere, the update also includes a fix for the so-called chaiOS bug that causes phones to freeze upon receiving a text message with a malicious link.

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(责任编辑：新闻中心)