For an upcoming release slated for the fall, iOS 18 has already garnered significant attention and speculation, primarily due to the anticipated incorporation of AI-powered features, which tend to create a buzz around software updates.
Much of the pre-launch discourse surrounding iOS 18 revolves around Apple’s potential integration of AI into its iPhone software. This could manifest in various ways, such as the introduction of auto-generated playlists in Apple Music, the integration of generative creation tools into apps like Pages and Keynote, or even the enhancement of Siri to enable more sophisticated interactions and responses to complex queries.
While these potential developments are exciting, I personally believe that the Voice Memos app deserves some much-needed enhancements and attention in iOS 18.
Indeed, Voice Memos on iOS currently serves its purpose adequately. It provides basic recording functionality, along with convenient editing tools that facilitate trimming recordings on the iPhone’s limited screen space. However, when compared to similar apps on Pixel and Galaxy S devices—such as Recorder on the Pixel and Voice Recorder on Samsung phones—it becomes apparent that Voice Memos has room for improvement. For instance, both Pixel and Samsung voice recording apps offer transcription capabilities, speaker recognition, and even AI-powered summarization features, setting a higher standard for voice recording applications.
When it comes to tasks like conducting interviews or capturing presentations, the built-in recording apps on leading Android phones outshine Apple’s Voice Memos. The additional features and capabilities offered by these apps make them more versatile and user-friendly, highlighting the potential for enhancement in Apple’s own Voice Memos app.
To elevate the functionality of Voice Memos, Apple should consider integrating transcription capabilities directly into the app. While third-party apps currently offer this feature, having it seamlessly integrated into Apple’s ecosystem would be a valuable addition. Furthermore, ensuring that transcription occurs locally on the device would leverage the processing power of modern iPhones, enhancing efficiency and privacy.
In addition to transcription, Voice Memos could benefit from features like speaker recognition and labeling within transcripts. By improving upon existing capabilities found in rival apps, Apple has the opportunity to set a new standard for accuracy and usability in voice recording applications.
While AI-powered summarization features could be beneficial for certain use cases, the priority should lie in automating tasks that streamline the user experience. For instance, automatically assigning titles based on recording content would be a practical enhancement, reducing the manual effort required from users and enhancing organization within the app.
While Voice Memos may not be the focal point of iOS 18’s AI advancements, enhancing this app with AI-driven capabilities could breathe new life into a tool that is often overlooked. By leveraging the power of AI, Apple has the opportunity to revitalize Voice Memos and provide users with a more intuitive and efficient recording experience.
