In addition to adding the first AI productivity tools via “Apple Intelligence”, iOS 18.1 also brings some changes such as the ability to record calls and even transcribe them in French (or other languages such as English) . If we already knew it, here’s how it works and how to use it while remaining legal. A new episode of our “iPhone Easy” section.
How does call recording work?
With iOS 18.1, iPhone users can now record and transcribe their calls natively, a highly anticipated feature made possible thanks to Apple Intelligence. Previously, this option required third-party applications or complex solutions, but starting Monday, October 28, it will be child’s play.
Apple’s Phone app lets you record calls while generating searchable transcripts and smart summaries. Apple obliges, transparency and confidentiality are at the heart of this feature: an automatic announcement informs all participants when recording begins, and a visible indicator remains displayed throughout the call.
Recordings are saved locally within the Notes app, with end-to-end encryption, ensuring all transcriptions are done directly on the device for added security.
How to record a call on iPhone?
Here are the few steps to save a conversation:
- Start or answer a call.
- Tap the record button (sound wave icon) at the top left.
- An automated voice informs participants that recording has started.
- The recording is automatically saved in the Notes app when the call ends or is stopped manually.
Records management
Recordings appear in the Notes app as audio files with transcription. Users can listen to recordings, read transcriptions, view generated summaries, or share and delete files as needed. Good news, it even works in French, as has been the case since iOS 18 for voice messages.
Here are the supported languages (only on iPhone 15 Pro and above):
- English: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore.
- Spanish: United States, Mexico, Spain
- French: France (then will follow Belgium, Switzerland and other French-speaking countries)
- German: Germany
- Japanese: Japan
- Mandarin: Mainland China, Taiwan
- Cantonese: Mainland China, Hong Kong
- Portuguese: Brazil
Good to know
Recording laws vary by country and region, so while Apple’s automatic announcement helps with transparency, it is always recommended to check local regulations and seek consent before making any recording.
In France, according toarticle 226-1 of the Penal Code, it is prohibited to record or share a person’s words that were spoken in a private context. The only possibility is to request the explicit consent of the person concerned.
If the purpose is to collect evidence for a legal case, a recording made without the person’s consent is unlawful. Furthermore, case law tends to consider this type of recording inadmissible if it is obtained in an unfair and fraudulent manner.
To go further, see our tip for programming an SMS on iPhone.