Apple's iOS 18.1 developer beta introduces AI call recording and transcription

Apple’s iOS 18.1 developer preview introduces an AI-driven feature for recording and transcribing phone calls, as highlighted by MacRumors. Beta users can now tap the new “record” button in the top-left corner of the call screen to create an audio log of their conversation.

When this feature is enabled, all participants will hear an announcement stating, “This call will be recorded.” The Phone app will then proceed to record the call and automatically generate a transcription, which will be available in the Notes app. Additionally, users will have access to the complete audio recording and an AI-generated summary of the call in the Notes app.

Apple first unveiled this call recording capability at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This feature is particularly useful for journalists who frequently conduct phone interviews, and it can also be beneficial for individuals who need to remember important details from conversations with their doctors.

Beyond call recording, the iOS 18.1 developer beta includes several other Apple Intelligence enhancements, such as natural language search in photos, email summaries in the Mail app, and a redesigned Siri interface. While an AI-enhanced Siri isn't available yet, Bloomberg suggests this significant upgrade could be released in 2025. The update reflects Apple's ongoing commitment to integrating advanced AI functionalities to enhance user experience across its ecosystem.