Search Call Transcripts with Spotlight in iOS 18

Apple users can search within phone call transcriptions using global Spotlight search in iOS 18. This capability is made possible because call recordings and their corresponding text transcripts are automatically indexed and stored inside the native Notes app. As a result, entering any spoken phrase from a recorded conversation into the system-wide search bar instantly surfaces the relevant recording.

How Spotlight Indexes Call Transcripts

When you record a phone call in iOS 18, the Phone app generates a live, full-text transcript. Once the call ends, iOS automatically saves the audio file, the transcript, and an AI-generated summary into a dedicated "Call Recordings" folder inside the Notes app.

Because Spotlight inherently indexes all text stored within Apple Notes, it treats call transcripts just like any standard note. When you search for specific keywords, phrases, or names mentioned during a call, Spotlight scans the transcript text and displays the associated note in the search results.

How to Search Call Transcriptions

  1. Access Spotlight: Swipe down from the center of your Home Screen or Lock Screen.
  2. Enter Keywords: Type a specific word, quote, or topic discussed during the recorded call.
  3. Locate the Result: Scroll to the Notes section of the search results, where you will see the note titled with the contact's name or phone number and the date of the call.
  4. Open the Recording: Tap the search result to open the note directly, allowing you to read the highlighted transcript or play back the synchronized audio.

Requirements for the Feature to Work

  • iOS 18 Compatibility: The device must be running iOS 18. Live transcription is supported on iPhone 12 and newer models, while Apple Intelligence summaries require an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model.
  • Spotlight Permissions: Spotlight search must have permission to index the Notes app. You can verify this by going to Settings > Siri & Search > Notes and ensuring that Show Content in Search is enabled.