Apple’s upcoming major software update for the iPhone, iOS 17, will unveil a game-changing accessibility feature known as “personal voice.”
This innovative tool is specifically designed to assist individuals who may face challenges in speaking, whether due to potential loss of speech ability or difficulties in articulation.
The “personal voice” feature will reside within the accessibility section of the iPhone’s settings app, under the speech category.
Users can effortlessly create their unique digital voice by reading aloud 150 carefully chosen phrases, which takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
The phone processes the voice data on the device itself, safeguarding user privacy and security.
Enabling the “live speech” function in settings allows users to choose their personal voice, and with just a triple tap on the side button, a text box appears.
Anything entered in the text box will be spoken aloud using the user’s cloned voice.
Apple’s “personal voice” feature has garnered widespread attention not only for its technological prowess but also for its remarkable accessibility.
Unlike sophisticated AI-generated voices that demand extensive resources and specialized equipment, this tool empowers anyone with an iPhone to easily create and use their own voice clone with minimal effort.
The “personal voice” feature aligns with Apple’s commitment to inclusivity and empowers individuals who struggle with speaking or anticipate difficulties in the future.
By providing a personal text-to-speech tool that sounds just like the user, Apple aims to enhance communication and accessibility for all users, irrespective of their speaking capabilities.
While voice cloning technology has raised concerns about potential fraudulent use, Apple has implemented robust security measures to mitigate risks.
The voice data remains solely on the user’s device, ensuring privacy and control. Users have the option to delete their voice data and can back up the 150 recorded phrases for added security.
