How to record and transcribe audio in Notes using iOS 18

iOS 18 adds the incredibly useful features, including the ability to transcribe audio recordings. Using the Notes app, iPhone users can record audio and have it transcribed without having the manually transcribe it themselves or use a third-party app.

As someone who frequently records audio during meetings and especially for interviews on my iPhone, audio transcriptions have been a long-requested feature of mine. With iOS 18 and the Notes app, iPhone users (alongside myself) can save time and extra steps in having audio transcribed accurately. Apple Intelligence will also be adding features down the road.

iPhone’s audio transcriptions via Notes are available on all iOS 18-enabled devices from iPhone 12 and later. Here’s how.

How to record audio using Notes

Notes can be a great method to record audio during your next team meeting

Gone are the days when Notes was strictly an app for text. The Notes app supports full voice notes and audio recordings, similar to the Voice Memos app. Using a few easy steps, you can begin recording audio. Using the new notes feature, you can record a personal reminder for yourself throughout the day. Voice notes can also be used to capture audio from members during a meeting or interview.

To record audio in Notes:

1. Open the Notes app on your iPhone.
2. Create a new note or open an existing Notes page.
3. Single-tap the screen to select the ‘Paperclip’ icon in the menu bar.
4. Choose Record Audio from the menu.
5. Tap the rec record button at the bottom of the screen to begin recording.

Once properly done, you’ll see the audio timeline begin with the soundwaves on the screen reflecting the audio in real-time. Again, similar to the Voice Memos app, you will also see the time duration of the recording on screen alongside playback options. Once concluded, the audio recording, the date, and the duration of the recording will be listed in the Notes app.

How to transcribe audio using Notes

Having your audio transcribed within the Notes app is virtually effortless once you begin recording audio. As soon as the Notes app registers a speaker, audio is transcribed in real time. This is reflected within the app as audio is being recorded. Transcriptions can then be added to the note afterwards as well.

Follow these steps to add transcriptions to your voice notes:

1. Tap the quote bubble button in the bottom left corner to see transcriptions.
2. Select the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner of the display.
3. Select Add Transcript to Note from the menu
4. Copy, paste, or format your transcription within the note afterwards.

Updates for Notes’ audio transcriptions

Apple Intelligence will bring additive improvements to this feature

Voice notes and audio transcriptions are already in great working order. However, Apple is already confirmed to be enhancing the experience in the coming months. This December, Apple is launching its Apple Intelligence AI platform for the iPhone. iOS 18 will be able to use Apple Intelligence to generate transcription summaries automatically. This will take key moments and topics from a recording and provide easy-to-read bullet points.

Currently, transcription in Notes only supports the English language. While a timeline is unconfirmed, Apple will likely introduce additional languages over time. Integrating additional languages could come as a part of future software updates in the coming months.