Many users now use AI support when formulating written communication. Apple already took this usage scenario into account in macOS 15.4 (Sequoia) when Apple Intelligence found its way into Mail. The writing tools appear both as a button in the toolbar and as a flag next to selected text. A beta tester has now discovered that Apple is working internally with a revised user interface that uses “Write with Siri” instead of “Writing Tools”. In the new view, hidden from beta testers, the AI tools are moved to a more prominent position: They appear to the left of the style definitions, directly above the text field. The phrase “Write with Siri” is flanked by the new Siri icon and an arrow pointing to the right. Clicking on the button text turns it into an input field in which users enter the task description (prompt) to Siri AI. The formatting tools will temporarily disappear.
Tools for refinement
If you select existing text in the revised compose window, four AI tools appear in the same place: “Edit with Siri” allows users to formulate change requests in an equally natural way. “Proofread” detects careless and wording errors. “Rewrite” offers several styles in a drop-down menu that can be used when reformulating. “How does this sound?” carries out a stylistic analysis and gives the author a detailed assessment with suggestions for improvement.
Hidden option
To see the new interface, it is not enough to install the beta version of macOS 27 Golden Gate. The interactive Siri AI interface only appears after it has been activated using two command line commands and a restart:
sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/WritingTools FormattingBar_macOS -dict Enabled -bool true
In addition, users must request access to the new Siri AI; this may take some time and may be limited to English language and certain countries.
To deactivate the experimental display again, enter the following command:
sudo defaults delete /Library/Preferences/FeatureFlags/Domain/WritingTools FormattingBar_macOS
