In a surprising revelation, Apple has unveiled a hidden feature on the iPhone that allows users to preserve their voices indefinitely. This innovative feature, known as Personal Voice, enables users to record 15 minutes of audio by reading a randomized set of text prompts. The recorded voice can then be utilized in various scenarios, particularly for those who may be at risk of losing their ability to speak.
The introduction of Personal Voice was initially teased before WWDC 2023 and officially became a part of iOS 17. Apple designed this feature with accessibility in mind, aiming to assist individuals facing challenges related to speech.
According to Apple, Personal Voice utilizes on-device machine learning to ensure the privacy and security of users’ information. It seamlessly integrates with Live Speech, allowing users to communicate using their Personal Voice during phone calls or FaceTime conversations.
How to Record Your Personal Voice:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility, then tap Personal Voice.
- Tap Create a Personal Voice.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to record your voice.
- To pause the recording session, tap Done or close the Settings app. Your progress is saved.
How to Use Live Voice:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Accessibility, then tap Live Speech.
- Turn Live Speech on.
- Under Voices, tap your keyboard language, then select a voice to use.
- Adjust the voice’s pitch or speed by tapping the Voice Settings button next to the voice.
To showcase the power of this feature, Apple has released a video illustrating the heartwarming story of a father who, despite losing the ability to speak, can still read stories to his daughter using his recorded Personal Voice.
