Here’s how you can record and transcribe phone calls in iOS 18.1

When you begin recording, all participants automatically hear an announcement, assuring everyone knows they're being recorded
An undated image showing a person talking on a smartphone. — iStock
An undated image showing a person talking on a smartphone. — iStock

There are various reasons to record a phone call, such as business meetings to family memories, while iPhone users have had to depend on third-party apps or complex workarounds. That is all set to be changed on October 28 with the launch of iOS 18.1, which will unveil native call recording and transcription powered by Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s recently introduced phone app feature not only records conversations but automatically creates searchable transcripts and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated summaries, all while managing Apple's commitment to privacy and transparency.

Read more: Here’s how to use new Library and add notes to locations in iOS 18

It is important to note that when you begin recording, all participants automatically hear an announcement, assuring everyone knows they're being recorded.

How to record and transcribe call recordings on iPhone

Gadinsider has compiled a step-by-step guide to how you can record and transcribe calls in iOS 18.1 on iPhone.

  • Start or answer a phone call.
  • Tap the record button (the waveform icon) in the top-left corner of the call screen.
  • An automated voice will notify all participants that recording has begun.
  • The recording will automatically save to the Notes app when the call ends or when you stop the recording.

Once done with the saved recordings, those are stored in the Notes app as audio files with attached transcripts. Click any recording to access a range of options — you can play back the audio, read the full transcript, view an AI-generated summary of the conversation, or share and delete recordings as required.

Notably, phone call recording and transcription features are set to be offered on compatible iPhone models when iOS 18.1 is launched on October 28.