iOS 10 Voicemail Transcription: Turn Voicemails into Text
iOS 10 Visual Voicemail Transcription
Since its inception, iOS has included a visual voicemail system. This allows users to navigate and listen to their voicemail messages without the need to dial a phone number. With the release of iOS 10, this functionality was expanded to include voicemail transcription, enabling users to read their voicemails as well.
Compatibility and Requirements
It’s important to note that voicemail transcription has specific requirements. Currently, this feature is available on the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. Furthermore, the Siri language setting must be configured to English (United States or Canada).
Additionally, your mobile carrier must support visual voicemail for the transcription feature to operate correctly.
Applying Transcription to New Messages
The voicemail transcription feature will only be applied to messages received after you have updated your device to iOS 10. Any voicemails received prior to the update will be labeled as “Transcription not available”.
To access a transcribed voicemail, simply open the Voicemail app and select the new message.
Playback of the audio message will begin automatically. If the message is currently being transcribed, a “Transcribing” indicator will be displayed.
Transcription Accuracy and Feedback
Once the transcription process is complete, the text will appear within the voicemail item. It’s crucial to understand that voicemail transcription isn’t always flawless. Occasional misinterpretations or omissions of words may occur.
However, the transcription generally provides a clear understanding of the caller’s intent.
As a beta feature, voicemail transcription allows for user feedback. After reviewing a transcription, you can indicate whether it was “useful” or “not useful” by tapping the corresponding option.
Sharing and Saving Transcriptions
Similar to audio voicemails, transcriptions can also be shared or saved. To do this, select the desired text within the transcription, then tap the “Share” option from the pop-up menu.
Identifying Important Calls
Voicemail transcription offers a convenient way to quickly differentiate between important calls and unwanted communications, such as those from solicitors, telemarketers, or spam sources.
This allows for efficient prioritization of your voicemail messages.