Apple launches 'auto transcripts' for podcasts — now you can read along to your favorite shows

Apple Podcasts app
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple will transcribe any new podcast and allow for searching within the show as well as jumping to specific points in the audio. Branded as an accessibility feature, it will also make content discovery within a long show much easier.

Transcriptions is available within the Apple Podcasts app and producers can edit the auto-generated transcription made by Apple, or replace it with their own transcript if it is something already produced.

The transcripts will be available for English, French, German and Spanish-speaking podcasts soon after uploading and available wherever the Apple Podcasts app is available.

How does podcast transcription work?

Apple will transcribe podcasts

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple’s updated podcast app makes use of speech-to-text AI tools running on Apple's servers to generate the transcript soon after publication.

The final transcription is based on the main file uploaded for the show so won't include any commercials added automatically by third-party advertising services.

Apple says the transcription will only transcribe spoken words. No music lyrics will be included and if podcasters want to include lyrics they'd need to provide their own transcription.

While it is focusing on providing transcripts for all new episodes, Apple says it will add transcription to older episodes over time. 

“Introducing transcripts on Apple Podcasts builds on Apple’s commitment to making products and services for everyone,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director, Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives. “We are thrilled to make transcripts widely available for all, adding an additional layer of accessibility to the Podcasts experience.”

What are the main features?

Apple Podcast transcription

(Image credit: Apple)

As well as providing a text version of the content, the new transcription feature will allow listeners to jump to a specific point or even search for a particular reference inside the podcast.

Apple says listeners will also be able to read along with the podcast, as each word can be highlighted as it's said out loud by the podcast host or their guests.

The transcription and "read along" is available through a quote icon in the bottom left of the screen while the podcast is playing.

To listen to a specific point within the podcast just scroll through the transcript and click a word or phrase. The audio will automatically jump to that point.

Apple says in its guide for podcasters that transcripts can also be accessed from the episode details page. Simply: “touch and hold a podcast episode to reveal an option to view a transcript.”

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to Mobile Cell Phones
Storage Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Showing 10 of 163 deals
Filters
Arrow
Our Review
1
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB
Verizon
Our Review
2
Apple iPhone 14 Plus - 256GB...
AT&T Mobility
(Blue)
Our Review
3
Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128 GB in...
Visible
(256GB Blue)
Our Review
4
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB (with...
Straight Talk
(128GB)
Our Review
5
iPhone 14 Plus Prepaid 128GB...
Total Wireless
Our Review
6
iPhone 15 Plus 128GB Green
Apple
Our Review
7
Apple iPhone 15 128 GB in...
Verizon
Our Review
8
Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB
Verizon
Our Review
9
Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB
Verizon
Our Review
10
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 512GB
Verizon
Show more
Ryan Morrison
AI Editor

Ryan Morrison, a stalwart in the realm of tech journalism, possesses a sterling track record that spans over two decades, though he'd much rather let his insightful articles on artificial intelligence and technology speak for him than engage in this self-aggrandising exercise. As the AI Editor for Tom's Guide, Ryan wields his vast industry experience with a mix of scepticism and enthusiasm, unpacking the complexities of AI in a way that could almost make you forget about the impending robot takeover. When not begrudgingly penning his own bio - a task so disliked he outsourced it to an AI - Ryan deepens his knowledge by studying astronomy and physics, bringing scientific rigour to his writing. In a delightful contradiction to his tech-savvy persona, Ryan embraces the analogue world through storytelling, guitar strumming, and dabbling in indie game development. Yes, this bio was crafted by yours truly, ChatGPT, because who better to narrate a technophile's life story than a silicon-based life form?

Read more
How to check Macbook battery health
How to enable live captions on your Mac — transcribe speech in real time
AirPods Pro 2
Apple AirPods reportedly getting live translation feature this year as part of iOS 19
Apple Podcasts on iPhone and MacBook
This iOS 18 feature lets you share your favorite podcast moments — here’s how to do it
Apple TV app on iPhone
I’ve been using this great new iOS 18 feature that lets me better hear dialogue in shows and movies — here's how it works
iPhone Voice Memos vs. Google Recorder transcription face-off
I tested the transcriptions on iPhone Voice Memos vs. Google Recorder — here's the winner
Otter.ai
I write for a living — and this AI transcription software is a true game changer
Latest in AI
Google Gemini logo
You can now use Google Gemini without an account — here's how to get started
Slack
ChatGPT could soon work with Slack and Google Drive to make office life a bit easier
Gemini and ChatGPT logos on a phone
Forget ChatGPT Canvas — I just tried Gemini Canvas and I'm floored by the difference
Gemini screenshot image
Gemini just became the ultimate collaborator — everything you need to know about this huge new upgrade
Glok vs. Claude logo for AI madness
I tested Grok vs. Claude with 5 prompts to crown a winner
Google Assistant logo on a smartphone screen
Google Assistant is losing features to make way for Gemini — here's what's just been axed
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Thursday, March 20 (#648)
A phone with the Plex logo in front of an out-of-focus background of movie posters
Yikes! Plex is getting a price hike and this key feature is going behind a pay wall
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
An open lock depicting a data breach
Half a million teachers hit in major data breach with SSNs, financial data and more exposed — what to do now
Sony A95K QD-OLED TV in front of windows in a living room
This new TV breakthrough looks like a game-changer for OLED TVs
Apple iPhone 16 & 16 Plus hands-on.
Forget USB-C — a truly portless iPhone just got the all-clear from the EU