Apple‘s Voice Memos app has just received the promised layer overlay feature that was demonstrated back in September at the iPhone launch. This allows users to overlay another track on top of an existing one, turning the app into an extremely limited but still useful recording tool. This update is part of iOS 18.2, which also brings even more artificial intelligence, such as a special emoji builder.
There is one important caveat here. The Voice Memos software tweak is only available for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This is a bummer, considering that layering tracks isn’t exactly rocket science, but the company says there’s a good reason to exclude other models.
The software allows you to add a second layer without headphones, which is made possible by some algorithmic tricks, the A18 Pro chip, and the new “studio-quality” microphones that come with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s a pretty clever trick, but, you know, not entirely necessary. I don’t mind putting on headphones for a minute.
The update can also split a voice memo into two component tracks for later use with legal recording software. This is another little trick similar to what The Beatles did for their last (and final) song. Singer Michael Bublé and country star Carly Pearce used the Voice Memos app to create a little Christmas song, as shown below.
As with all things recorded with Voice Memos, the files will be synchronized between devices via Apple iCloud. These layered tracks will also be available on Macs for drag-and-drop into a Logic Pro session.
