Apple iOS 18.1 beta adds AI call recording and transcription

Apple iOS 18.

• Apple’s iOS 18.1 beta introduces an AI-powered feature to record and transcribe phone calls, automatically saving the transcription and audio in the Notes app.
• Additional AI features include natural language search in photos, email summaries in the Mail app, and an updated Siri design expected to launch in 2025.

OUR TAKE
Apple’s iOS 18.1 introduces call recording with AI-driven transcriptions and summaries, a notable shift from its previous stance. This move responds to competitive pressures, especially from Samsung, and signals Apple’s pivot towards a more AI-driven future, aiming to enhance user convenience and innovation leadership.
–Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter

What happened

Apple‘s iOS 18.1 developer preview introduces an AI-powered feature that allows users to record and transcribe phone calls, as reported by MacRumors.

Users in the beta can tap the new “record” button on the call screen to log audio. When activated, a message notifies all callers that the call will be recorded. The Phone app records the call and automatically creates a transcription in the Notes app, alongside an AI-generated summary and the full audio recording. This is particularly useful for journalists conducting phone interviews and for anyone needing to keep detailed records of important calls.

Other AI features in the iOS 18.1 beta include natural language search in photos, email summaries in the Mail app, and an updated Siri design. While the AI-enhanced Siri isn’t available yet, Bloomberg reports it could launch in 2025.

Also read: Apple commits to AI safety in White House Initiative

Also read: Apple delays AI features rollout until after iOS 18 release

Why it’s important

Apple’s iOS 18.1 developer preview introduces a feature long resisted by the company: phone call recording. This marks a notable shift from Apple’s previous stance on privacy and user control. For years, Apple avoided incorporating call recording, even as competitors like Samsung made it a standard feature, particularly for business users.

Now, Apple not only allows call recording but also offers AI-driven transcriptions and summaries. This change reflects the mounting pressure from competitors and the need to innovate continuously. Samsung’s early adoption of call recording has been a significant draw for business users, and Apple’s new feature is a clear response to this competitive edge.

Furthermore, the integration of AI in call recording is a precursor to more advanced AI functionalities, such as the anticipated AI-enhanced Siri, expected to arrive by 2025. Historically, Apple has lagged in AI development, but these new features signal a strategic pivot towards a more AI-driven future. With these updates, Apple aims to reclaim its innovation leadership and offer users a more sophisticated, convenient experience.