Apple's Voice Memos app has recently undergone significant changes following the launch of iOS 18.2, eleving it from just being a simple recording tool to potentially becoming the go-to instrument for musicians on the go. With the arrival of this update, which was announced on December 12, users of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max can now access the exciting new Layered Recordings feature. This allows them to seamlessly layer vocal tracks over existing instrumentals without the need for any external equipment. How’s this for convenience?
The essence of the update is its ability to transform the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max devices powered by the A18 Pro chip. Thanks to advanced processing and machine learning, users can now easily record vocals using the phone’s built-in studio-quality microphones. They can even play their instrumental tracks through the iPhone’s speaker as they record. Think of it as creating your digital studio right from your pocket.
To showcase this new feature, Apple turned the spotlight on three Grammy Award winners: Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and producer Greg Wells. They recently collaborated to produce the holiday duet titled “Maybe This Christmas,” utilizing Layered Recordings exclusively on the iPhone 16 Pro. Bublé highlighted the value of Voice Memos during the musical creation process, stating, "I don’t think people realize the pivotal role Voice Memos on iPhone plays for musicians. It allows for spontaneous inspiration without the constraints of traditional studio scenarios.”
The new Layered Recordings feature empowers users to create compositions with multiple tracks. This functionality allows musicians to record different audio layers simultaneously. The app can create individual tracks, which users can then use to mix and refine their recordings using professional audio applications like Logic Pro. This opens new doors for content creators, enabling them to craft high-quality recordings, whether it's for music or podcasts, all on the go.
Now, here’s how it works. When users want to record, the Voice Memos app allows the instrumental track to play through the iPhone’s speaker, allowing them to record vocals on the fly. With the A18 Pro chip, these recordings are crisp and distinct. The process ensures users don’t need headphones or any additional gear to make their audio sound great.
Another significant add-on to Voice Memos is the syncing capability between iPhone and Mac. Recorded tracks can be sent directly from the Voice Memos app to Mac, providing the flexibility to edit them on larger screens with professional-grade software. Many musicians might have previously relied on the discontinued Music Memos app, which was used as a scratchpad for musical ideas. Since its discontinuation, Apple seems to be filling the gap with these new capabilities.
What’s even more inviting is the technology behind these Layered Recordings. The Voice Memos app uses machine learning to isolate and separate the vocal recordings from the instrumental backgrounds, making it manageable for users to edit tracks afterward. This means musicians can capture moments of creativity on the fly without stressing about the perfect setup. Hello innovation!
Not only singers but also podcasters and other content creators can benefit from this update. It makes creating high-quality audio content easier and more accessible, whether they are on-location shoots, interviews, or brainstorming sessions. Who wouldn’t want to record creatively on the go without the need for extensive equipment?
So, is this feature exclusive? Yes, currently, the Layered Recordings capability is reserved for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users. Those with the base iPhone 16 or Plus models running the A18 chip won’t partake, underlining the common trend of feature exclusivity with more advanced devices.
After all these advancements, Apple may very well re-establish its brand reputation within the music production community, from amateur to pro. A versatile tool like this could encourage new musicians to explore their creativity, no matter where they are.
To sum it all up, Apple’s move to barely make the Voice Memos app just as powerful as high-end recording studios brings convenience, creativity, and excitement to aspiring artists. The holidays might just be more melodious this year thanks to the latest iPhone users being able to channel their inner Michael Bublé.
