Apple has rolled out a game-changing feature for musicians with its latest iOS 18.2 update, exclusively available for iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max users. The much-anticipated "Layered Recordings" feature, first hinted at during the iPhone 16 event in September, is now live in the Voice Memos app, making recording and mixing audio on your iPhone more seamless than ever.
What Makes Layered Recordings Special?
This innovative tool allows users to layer vocal tracks over existing instrumental recordings without needing headphones. The iPhone’s built-in studio-quality microphone captures vocals, while the phone’s speakers play the instrumentals. This means you can experiment with your music ideas wherever you are, turning your iPhone into a portable recording studio.
The Tech Behind the Magic
Thanks to the powerful A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro models, combined with advanced on-device processing and machine learning, Layered Recordings creates two separate audio tracks. These can be further refined in professional software like Logic Pro. Moreover, Voice Memos on Mac allows users to sync these recordings across devices and directly integrate them into Logic sessions, ensuring a smooth transition between devices for music production.
A Gift for Musicians
This update is a dream for creative minds, particularly musicians. Whether you’re layering a piano melody or an acoustic guitar riff, Voice Memos' Layered Recordings provides the flexibility to mix multiple instrumental layers. The new feature works hand-in-hand with Logic Pro, enabling users to compress instrumental tracks and send them back to Voice Memos for further tweaks, all within minutes.
A Star-Studded Showcase
To highlight the feature's potential, Apple collaborated with musical icons Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and producer Greg Wells. They created a festive track, Maybe This Christmas, entirely using Layered Recordings on the iPhone 16 Pro. You can experience this masterpiece in Spatial Audio on Apple Music, demonstrating how technology meets creativity in the most inspiring way.
Exclusivity Matters
While the Layered Recordings feature is a groundbreaking addition, it remains exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models running iOS 18.2. This exclusivity positions these devices as must-haves for musicians and audio enthusiasts eager to push the boundaries of mobile music production.