Microsoft Edge for iOS adds Siri shortcuts for beta testers

Microsoft Edge beta testers on iPhone and iPad can now get their hands on one of the most useful new features to ship with iOS 12: Siri Shortcuts. Microsoft this week began rolling out support for Siri shortcuts to beta testers, along with a few other improvements like quick actions and the option to pick up where you left off when you reopen Edge.

Here's a full look at what's new in the latest beta release (via Neowin):

  • Press and hold buttons in the bottom bar to see quick actions
  • Open the browser directly from the lock screen with Siri shortcuts
  • Use the browser widget in the Today screen to get to quick actions and top sites
  • When you reopen Microsoft Edge, choose to continue where you left off or start afresh with a new tab
  • Performance improvements

Siri shortcuts in iOS 12 open up new ways to interact with apps, allowing you to set specific phrases to trigger a set of actions within apps that support the feature. Microsoft's support, for the moment at least, is limited to opening the browser from your lock screen. However, it's likely we could see the Edge implement support for further actions in future releases.

For now, those enrolled in the Edge beta through Apple's limited TestFlight program can check out all of the changes with the latest update. Should testing go well, Siri shortcuts and the new quick actions should roll out to everyone relatively soon.

See at the App Store

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl