With each iOS update, Apple discreetly incorporates additional features in the accessibility category. These features aim to provide users with alternatives in how they interact and use their iPhones. When iOS 17 was introduced, a new feature called Personal Voice was added. This feature appeared promising as it allowed users to train their iPhones to speak and sound like them. However, nearly 2 years have passed since its release. So, how effective is it?
If you wish to explore some of these features hands-on, make sure to watch our video here. The initial 20 seconds of the video demonstrate what the personal voice sounds like.
How to set up?
Although the setup process is relatively straightforward, it does require some time. You will need at least 15 minutes to recite your voice, and then the phone must be left charging and locked for the rendering process (I usually leave it overnight). Here are the steps:
- Go to settings > accessibility > personal voice (under Speech section)
- Tap on Create Personal Voice
You need to allocate some time for this process. You will be guided through a series of 150 short phrases, including statements, questions, and exclamations. The goal is for your phone to capture your voice in various inflections and intonations. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You can pause it, but it’s advisable not to as it may disrupt the process. Once the phrases are completed, you will be instructed to leave the phone locked and charging for the voice processing. It should be ready by the next morning.
How does it work?
Now that it’s all set up, ensure that it is activated. Under the same Speech section as the Personal Voice settings, there is a Live Speech section. Access it and make sure it’s enabled. This is what allows you to utilize and access it when needed.
Once activated, you can trigger it by triple-pressing your lock button. This will bring up a menu with the Live Speech option. Select Live Speech, and you can start typing what you want your phone to say in your voice. Since this is an accessibility feature, this UI overlays anything you are doing. While it’s active, you can still interact with the main iPhone screen, which is quite convenient.
My thoughts
So, does it truly sound like me? Yes and no. I recommend watching our video to hear how the Personal Voice sounds. I would describe it as a robotic version of my voice. The essence is there, but it lacks a natural tone. While it sounds good in some phrases and instances, it often comes off as robotic, with inaccurate inflections and odd speech speed. I wish there was an option to adjust the speech speed and voice pitch to refine it further.
However, it is clear and easily understandable, which I believe is the primary objective of this feature. Yet, it still has a ways to go in sounding entirely like the user.
Final take
Although it’s not yet perfect in replicating the user’s voice, I appreciate that this option exists. Consider the scenario where someone may lose their voice; this feature could serve as a way to retain it in some form. Or for singers who need to rest their voice, it could be quite useful.
Apple has announced that the Personal Voice feature will undergo significant improvements with the release of iOS 26 on June 9th. We will revisit this feature to assess any notable enhancements. If you have tried this feature, feel free to share your experience in the comments. Would you use it? Do you find it unsettling? Have you explored any third-party alternatives for this purpose? Let’s discuss below!
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