How Apple’s Notes app can transform your creative process with Voice Memo integration
iOS 18’s new audio recording and transcription feature within Notes opens up exciting possibilities for musicians and artists.
What has changed?
Staying organised and capturing inspiration on the go can never be understated in the music industry. Apple’s latest iOS 18 update introduces a game-changing feature for artists: the ability to record Voice Memos directly in the Notes app, complete with transcription capabilities.
The transcription feature is the biggest change, enabling musicians to capture not just audio but also detailed written records of their ideas. This feature simplifies the creative process, combining audio and text seamlessly in one place.
Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or aspiring artist, this innovative tool can help you elevate your brainstorming and streamline your creative workflow.
How to record audio inside of the Notes app
Previously, users would have to record a Voice Memo separately before adding it to Notes. Now, with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, the Notes app integrates Voice Memo recording. Alongside this, the built-in transcription capability allows you to create written records of your recordings in real-time. Here’s how to get started:
- Open the Notes app and create a new one (or open an existing one).
- Tap the attachment icon and select Record Audio.
- Press the red record button to start capturing your thoughts.
- Tap the text speech bubble on the left to see an instant transcription as you record.
Once recorded, your audio and its transcription will be saved in the note. You can search within the transcript, copy text to another program, or share it with collaborators. This dual functionality of audio and text streamlines the creative process for musicians, offering a richer and more organised way to work.
How can musicians use this feature?
Voice Memos have long been a go-to tool for musicians. From recording melody ideas to capturing spur-of-the-moment lyrics, this app has been a quiet hero in the creative process. Here’s how the new Notes integration, especially the transcription feature, can enhance your workflow:
- Streamlined brainstorming: Transcriptions make it easier to revisit your ideas without replaying entire recordings. You can scan through text to pinpoint specific moments of inspiration.
- Searchability: Quickly find that one specific lyric or melody by searching the transcript, saving time during your creative process.
- Collaborative possibilities: Share notes containing both audio and text with collaborators, enabling a clearer exchange of ideas.
- Context and playback: Hearing your inflections while reading the transcription allows for a richer understanding of your original intent. This combination of text and tone helps bring your ideas to life.
- Revisit ideas: Use transcription to quickly revise your ideas, drafting new lyrics that fit the melody you sang in the recording.
If your device supports it, you can leverage Apple Intelligence to summarise, proofread, or refine your transcriptions.
Who can access this feature?
Voice Memo recording and transcription in Notes is available on devices running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. Specifically, transcription requires iPhone 12 or later and is currently supported for several English dialects (US, UK, Australian, Irish, New Zealand, and South African).
For Mac users, this feature is compatible with macOS Sequoia or later on devices with an M1 processor or newer.
iPhone 16 Pro users can benefit from added Voice Memo functionality, enhancing the recording process even more for musicians.
New possibilities
Apple’s integration of Voice Memos into the Notes app is a powerful new tool for artists. By making it easier to record, transcribe, and organise your creative ideas, it ensures you never lose a moment of inspiration.
Embrace this new functionality and take your music creation to the next level. Your next hit could be just a Note away.