Live Call Transcription Features in iOS 18

Apple’s iOS 18 introduces native call recording and live transcription directly into the Phone app, eliminating the need for third-party recording services. This feature allows users to capture conversations in real time, view live transcriptions as participants speak, and automatically save both the audio and text directly into the Notes app for easy review.

Real-Time On-Screen Transcription

When a user initiates a call recording in iOS 18, the Phone app displays a live, running transcript directly on the screen. As each participant speaks, the system converts speech to text dynamically, allowing users to follow along visually during the conversation.

Automatic Participant Notification

To comply with wiretapping and consent laws, initiating the transcription feature triggers an automated voice announcement. Both the caller and the recipient hear a clear notification stating that the call is being recorded and transcribed. The recording and transcription only begin once the alert has played.

Integration with the Notes App

Once a call ends, the entire transcript and the corresponding audio file are automatically saved to a dedicated "Call Recordings" folder in the Apple Notes app. Within Notes, users can:

  • Search Transcripts: Search for specific keywords, names, or numbers mentioned during the call.
  • Audio Playback Sync: Tap on any sentence within the transcript to jump directly to that point in the audio recording.
  • Edit and Export: Make manual edits to the transcribed text or copy it into other documents.

Apple Intelligence Summaries

On devices that support Apple Intelligence (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the iPhone 16 lineup), iOS 18 provides an automated summary alongside the full transcript. Powered by on-device large language models, this feature highlights key takeaways, action items, and important details from the conversation without requiring the user to read through the entire text.

Language and Device Support

Live call transcription supports multiple languages at launch, including English (US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore), Spanish (US, Mexico, Puerto Rico), Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, and Portuguese. While basic audio recording and standard transcription are available on older iPhones compatible with iOS 18, the AI-powered summarization tool requires an Apple Intelligence-compatible device.