The Audio Interruption
When you are wearing AirPods or compatible Beats headphones, Apple enables a feature called “Announce Notifications.” If you receive a text message while listening to a podcast or an intense song, Siri will instantly lower the volume of your media and forcefully read the incoming text message out loud directly into your ears. While this is helpful if your hands are full, it is incredibly jarring and annoying if you are simply trying to enjoy your music in peace or if someone texts you a highly sensitive message in a quiet environment. You must disable the vocal interruptions.
How to Turn Off Announce Notifications
You can revoke Siri’s permission to interrupt your audio via the system settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Notifications.
- Look for the section labeled “Siri” and tap on Announce Notifications.
- You will see a master toggle switch at the top labeled Announce Notifications.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Silent Listening
The change is instantaneous. The next time you are wearing your AirPods and receive a text message, Siri will remain completely silent. The volume of your music will not drop, and you will simply hear the standard, subtle “ding” notification sound, allowing you to check your phone and read the message on your own schedule.