Can You Edit Audio Transcripts in iOS 18 Notes?

In iOS 18, Apple Notes introduces built-in audio recording with automatic, real-time transcription, but users cannot directly edit the text inside the native audio transcript interface. Because the transcript is linked to audio timestamps for playback tracking, Apple does not offer an inline text editor to fix phonetic spelling mistakes or misheard words within the player. However, you can easily bypass this limitation by moving the transcript text into the body of your note, where it becomes fully editable.

How Transcript Editing Works in iOS 18

When you record audio in Notes on iOS 18, the system generates a synchronized transcript. While viewing this transcript:

• Direct Editing Is Disabled: Tapping on a word allows you to jump to that timestamp in the audio, but you cannot bring up a keyboard to correct spelling, phonetic errors, or misattributed words.
• Text Export Is Supported: Apple allows you to copy portions of the transcript or add the entire transcript as standard text directly into the main note canvas.

How to Edit and Correct Transcript Text

To correct spelling errors, unusual jargon, or phonetic misinterpretations made by the transcription tool, move the transcript into the standard note area:

1. Open the note containing your audio recording.
2. Tap the audio recording attachment to view the playback controls and transcription preview.
3. Tap the Transcript icon (speech bubble with text) to open the full transcript view.
4. Tap the More icon (the three dots in the upper-right corner).
5. Select Add Transcript to Note.
6. The entire transcription will paste into the note below the audio file as regular editable text.
7. Use the standard iOS keyboard to manually fix phonetic mistakes, delete filler words, or format the text with bolding and bullet points.

Alternatively, if you only need to fix a specific sentence, highlight that section within the transcript viewer, choose Copy, and paste it into the note body to edit it manually.