Unlock New Musical Possibilities with iOS 18.2's Voice Memos Update

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max: A New Era of Audio Recording

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users are now at the forefront of audio innovation. They can record their instruments using the iPhone's speaker while simultaneously capturing their vocals with the microphones on these devices. This eliminates the hassle of using headphones and opens up a world of creative possibilities.

For instance, imagine a musician playing an acoustic guitar and wanting to add a vocal layer. With iOS 18.2, they can effortlessly do so, creating a unique and layered recording. This feature is a game-changer for musicians who want to experiment and create professional-quality recordings directly on their iPhones.

Bringing Back Music Memos: Filling the Void

The discontinuation of Apple's Music Memos iPhone app in 2021 was a disappointment for many musicians. However, with the iOS 18.2 update, Apple is offering an alternative. The new Voice Memos feature provides a seamless way to layer vocals on top of existing instrumentals, filling the void left by the previous app.

Artists have turned to third-party apps like Tape It to continue their creative endeavors, but now they have a native Apple solution. This not only saves time but also ensures a seamless integration with other Apple devices and apps.

Leveraging Machine Learning for Professional Results

With the power of Apple's A18 Pro chip and machine learning, the Voice Memos app is able to enable the new layered recording feature. The app can create two individual tracks, which can then be further mixed and produced in professional apps like Logic Pro.

Musicians and producers have a wide range of options with this feature. They can choose from a variety of background instrumentals, such as piano or acoustic guitar, to add to their recordings. Alternatively, they can send an existing instrumental mix directly into the Voice Memos app and record a vocal layer on top. This flexibility allows for endless creative possibilities and professional-quality productions.

Syncing Across Devices: A Seamless Experience

Apple emphasizes the seamless syncing of "Layered Recordings" from Voice Memos on Mac across devices. This means that musicians can start recording on their iPhone and continue working on their Mac, with all the layers synced seamlessly.

Moreover, these recordings are available on Mac to be dragged and dropped into a Logic session, further enhancing the workflow for musicians. This cross-device syncing is a significant advantage that simplifies the recording and production process.

Demonstrating with a Holiday Track: Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and Greg Wells

Apple is showcasing the power of this feature with a new holiday track called "Maybe This Christmas" featuring Michael Bublé, country star Carly Pearce, and record producer Greg Wells. A behind-the-scenes video reveals how the artists used the Voice Memos app to separately record their vocals on an iPhone 16 Pro.

This real-world demonstration shows the practical application of the layered recording feature and how it can be used to create collaborative and professional-sounding music.

Launching on iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The Voice Memos app upgrade is specifically launching on iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max for users running iOS 18.2. This ensures that these high-end devices are equipped with the latest audio capabilities, allowing users to explore and create like never before.

Sharing to Voice Memos and importing a Layered Recording is also available on Logic Pro for Mac 11.1 with macOS Sequoia 15.2, and Logic Pro for iPad 2.1 with iPadOS 18.2. This wide range of compatibility ensures that musicians can access and utilize the feature on their preferred devices.

Audio Transcriptions: Enhancing the Recording Experience

The iOS 18 update previously brought audio transcriptions to the Voice Memos app, providing users with an additional tool for organizing and analyzing their recordings. Users can view the transcription of their speech while recording or after, making it easier to reference and work with their audio content.

This feature adds another layer of functionality to the Voice Memos app and further enhances the overall recording experience.