Can Apple send voice messages?
Apple has developed and launched several messaging apps and features over the years for its various platforms and devices. Some of the key messaging offerings from Apple include iMessage, FaceTime, FaceTime Audio, and the Messages app itself. iMessage in particular has become a hugely popular and widely-used messaging platform.
According to Wikipedia, iMessage is an instant messaging service developed by Apple Inc. and launched in 2011 (source). It functions exclusively on Apple platforms including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. iMessage was first announced at Apple’s WWDC event in 2011 (source) with core messaging features that made it an immediate success.
The Messages app (formerly called Text) is another Apple developed messaging app that works across Apple devices and operating systems. According to Wikipedia, Messages allows users to exchange texts, documents, photos, videos, and more (source). Features like FaceTime video/audio calling are also integrated into Messages.
iMessage
iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service that allows iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to send messages, photos, videos, and more between devices over WiFi or cellular data. iMessage was introduced in 2011 and has become a popular messaging app due to its tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Some key capabilities of iMessage include:
- Send and receive text messages, photos, videos, documents, contact info, and location
- See when someone is typing or has read your message
- Have group conversations with up to 33 people
- Sync messages across iPhone, iPad, and Mac so conversations are kept up to date across devices
- Send messages over WiFi or cellular data so you can communicate even without a cellular signal
- End-to-end encryption for secure messaging
- Fun features like invisible ink, screen effects, stickers, and tapbacks for reacting to messages
Voice Messaging in iMessage
One of the key features of iMessage is the ability to send voice messages along with text messages. Users can easily record and send voice memos directly within an iMessage conversation (Apple 2021).
To send a voice message on iPhone, open the Messages app and tap into a conversation thread. Then tap and hold the microphone icon that appears next to the text box. This will start recording a voice memo. When done, lift your finger off the microphone icon to stop recording. The voice message will immediately be sent as an attachment within the text conversation (MacRumors 2023).
Voice messages sent via iMessage are saved as .m4a audio files. They can be played directly in the Messages app by tapping on them. Users also have the option to save voice memos from iMessage to the Voice Memos app for easy access later. This provides a seamless experience for recording and sending quick voice notes during conversations (Fireflies 2023).
FaceTime
FaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling app that comes pre-installed on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. FaceTime allows users to make video or audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data to other Apple device users. Some key features of FaceTime include:
– Video calling with up to 32 people at once (Group FaceTime) https://www.tiktok.com/@lexruggiero/video/7249856624427404586
– Audio calling with FaceTime Audio
– Animoji and Memoji, allowing users to animate emoji characters during video calls
– Screen sharing, allowing users to share their device screen during a FaceTime call
– End-to-end encryption for privacy and security
Overall, FaceTime provides a seamless video and audio calling experience between Apple devices. Its integration with iOS and MacOS makes it a convenient communication option for Apple users.
FaceTime Audio
One way Apple devices can send voice messages is through FaceTime Audio. FaceTime Audio allows you to make audio-only calls between Apple devices over Wi-Fi or cellular data (Source). If the recipient doesn’t answer, you have the option to leave a voicemail message.
To leave a voicemail on FaceTime Audio, simply initiate a FaceTime Audio call and wait for it to ring. If the recipient doesn’t answer, you’ll get the option to leave a message. Speak your message, then tap “End” when finished. The voicemail will be delivered to the recipient’s device like a normal voicemail.
FaceTime Audio provides a built-in way for Apple users to leave voice messages for each other. With the tap of a button, you can record an audio voicemail straight from a FaceTime call.
Third-party Apps
While Apple’s built-in messaging apps like iMessage and FaceTime allow you to send voice messages, there are also many popular third-party apps that offer voice messaging capabilities on iPhone.
Some of the most widely used third-party messaging apps that support voice messages on iOS include:
- WhatsApp – WhatsApp lets you send voice messages up to 30 seconds to contacts and groups.
- Facebook Messenger – Facebook Messenger has a voice messaging feature to send short audio clips.
- WeChat – Popular in China and Asia, WeChat supports sending voice messages.
- Voxer – Voxer is a walkie talkie app that lets you send voice messages.
These third-party apps make it easy to quickly send voice messages to friends and contacts on iOS. They provide an alternative option beyond Apple’s built-in iMessage and FaceTime if you regularly communicate with people on these platforms.
Siri
One of the easiest ways to send voice messages on iPhone is by using Siri, Apple’s intelligent voice assistant.
Simply say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the side button to activate Siri, then say something like “Send a voice message to [contact name]”. Siri will inform you that it has started recording, allowing you to speak your message. When finished, say something like “Stop recording” and your voice message will be sent as an audio clip within the Messages app. Siri makes it fast and hands-free to record and send voice messages without ever needing to touch your iPhone.
This Siri capability was first introduced in iOS 11 and has been improved over time. Siri can now announce who the message is being sent to and playback the recorded message before actually sending it. Users can also tap into Siri’s capabilities through CarPlay, AirPods, and even third-party apps using SiriKit. Siri provides a seamless way for iPhone users to efficiently send voice messages on the go.
For more information, see:
How to Send Voice Messages Hands-Free with Siri
How to Send Audio Messages with Siri from iPhone
Accessibility
Apple has long been a leader in accessibility features for those with disabilities. This extends to voice messaging capabilities as well. Features like VoiceOver and Speak Selection allow iPhone users to have text read aloud to them (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/05/apple-previews-live-speech-personal-voice-and-more-new-accessibility-features/).
VoiceOver is a screen reader that allows blind and low vision users to navigate their iPhone using gestures and spoken feedback. With VoiceOver enabled, users can have their incoming messages read aloud to them. They can use the built-in dictation feature to compose outgoing voice messages.
Speak Selection reads any text you have selected out loud with an option to slow down or speed up the speech rate. This makes it easy for users with reading disabilities or visual impairments to have their messages read to them.
In iOS 15, Apple introduced Live Text and Live Captions further enhancing accessibility. Live Text can recognize text in photos and allow it to be read aloud or copied/pasted. Live Captions automatically generates captions for audio and video calls.
For those unable to speak, Apple devices provide various assistive typing features. Users can type messages by moving their eyes with Eye Tracking or by making minute cheek movements with head tracking. These allow text input without need for voice or touch.
Apple continues to push device accessibility forward. Their commitment ensures iPhone users with disabilities can exchange voice messages and fully participate in messaging.
Summary
In summary, Apple has robust built-in support for sending and receiving voice messages on iPhone using iMessage (Source). By pressing and holding the microphone icon in the Messages app, users can easily record and send audio messages. These voice messages can be played right within the conversation thread. In iOS 16, Apple also added the ability to edit or delete sent voice messages. Additionally, FaceTime and FaceTime Audio allow for voice and video calling directly between Apple devices. Third-party apps like WhatsApp also enable voice messaging capabilities. Lastly, Apple’s intelligent assistant Siri permits voice commands and dictation. Overall, Apple provides integrated voice messaging features on iPhone and accessible options like Live Speech that read text aloud.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac make it easy to send and receive voice messages using iMessage, FaceTime, and third-party apps. The integrated features in iOS and macOS allow you to quickly record and send voice messages just like a regular text message. FaceTime Audio goes a step further by letting you have entire voice conversations. While third-party apps expand the possibilities even more.
Final thoughts on sending voice messages on Apple devices: Apple has optimized the process of sending voice messages across their ecosystem. By building it into iMessage and FaceTime, most Apple users can instantly benefit without installing anything new. The audio quality is excellent, and new features like transcription make voice messages even more convenient. For advanced needs, third-party apps provide customizable options. Overall, Apple devices have versatile, high-quality tools for sharing voice messages with individuals or groups.