Open Apps with Siri on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

Siri now lets you launch applications by just speaking a simple command to the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. This is a great feature for a variety of obvious reasons, and using it is simple:

• Hold down the Home button to summon Siri, then say “Open [App Name]” or “Launch [App Name]”

Sometimes you can just say the app name as well, but that doesn’t always work. Nonetheless, with the “Launch” or “Open” prefix, apps will immediately launch and become the forefront app. You can even launch apps from the lock screen with Siri, though if you use a passcode you’ll have to enter it before the apps open.

The only real requirement here is that your device has iOS 6 installed and it’s compatible with Siri support, which means iPad 3, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod touch 5th gen, and obviously devices launched thereafter.

This should be a particularly useful tip for anyone who drives in a region with strict laws around cell phone usage, since you can now go directly to apps without fiddling around with the phone much at all. That means launching long-drive and commute redemption streaming apps like Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify can be done instantly while you’re focus remains on the road.