Tim Cook CEO of Apple | Apple
Voice Memos, a popular app among musicians, has introduced a new feature for iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max users. The update allows users to layer vocal tracks over existing instrumental recordings without needing headphones. With the release of iOS 18.2, users can play instrumental ideas through the iPhone speaker while recording vocals using the device's studio-quality microphones.
The feature is powered by the A18 Pro chip and uses advanced processing and machine learning to isolate vocal recordings. This results in two separate tracks that can be further mixed and produced in professional applications like Logic Pro. Voice Memos on Mac also supports Layered Recordings, enabling seamless synchronization across devices and easy integration into Logic sessions.
Users can start with various background instrumentals such as acoustic guitar or piano as the first layer. In Logic Pro, artists can send an instrumental mix as a compressed audio file directly to Voice Memos, allowing them to record vocals on top whenever inspiration strikes.
Three GRAMMY Award winners—Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and Greg Wells—used Voice Memos on iPhone 16 Pro to create their new track "Maybe This Christmas." In a behind-the-scenes video, they discuss how the new feature facilitated their recording process. Michael Bublé commented, “I don’t think people realize the critical role Voice Memos on iPhone plays in the creation process for musicians.” He added that with Layered Recordings, artists are no longer limited by traditional studio settings.
Listeners can stream "Maybe This Christmas" on Apple Music in Spatial Audio. The Layered Recordings feature is available for iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max users running iOS 18.2. Sharing and importing Layered Recordings is supported on Logic Pro for Mac version 11.1 with macOS Sequoia 15.2 and Logic Pro for iPad version 2.1 with iPadOS 18.2.
