Apple recently unveiled an update to iOS 17 that will automatically transcribe voice notes and voicemails, using Apple’s Neural Engine to convert spoken messages to text as they arrive from senders. This feature will become available this September and is expected to become mainstream within weeks.
This new feature will be an immense convenience for iPhone users who frequently receive voice notes from friends, family, or colleagues. Instead of listening to an entire voice message before reading its transcription quickly – especially helpful in noisy environments or while driving when audio messages cannot be played back due to obstruction.
Apple states that their new transcription feature will also benefit people who are hard of hearing or who struggle with understanding spoken languages, with accurate transcripts available in over 20 different languages.
iOS 17 will feature many exciting new features, including transcription. Other new offerings include redesigned lock screens, enhanced augmented reality features and enhancements to Messages App. iOS 17 will be released for download by September.
Here are a few additional details regarding the new transcription feature:
- Apple’s Neural Engine will power this feature, with transcriptions generated real-time so users can read them as they’re being spoken aloud.
- And the feature will support over 20 languages!
- Transcripts will be accurate but not perfect
- This feature should not replace human transcription services but can serve as a useful way for quickly reading voicemails.