Recording phone calls on an iPhone has long been a challenge due to Apple's strict privacy policies. Before iOS 18, no iPhone version—nor any third-party apps—could directly record phone calls. Users had to rely on workarounds, like using a second device to manually record conversations. However, with iOS 18, Apple has finally added native call recording capabilities, making the process much simpler.

In this blog, we’ll dive into how to use iOS 18's new feature and discuss alternative methods for older iPhone versions. We’ll also introduce you to VOMO AI, a smart tool to transcribe and analyze recorded calls—whether captured via iOS 18 or other methods.

Call Recording in iOS 18: How It Works

With iOS 18, Apple now offers an official call recording feature, which can be found directly in the Phone app. Here’s how to use it:

1. Ensure you have iOS 18 installed by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Open the Phone app and make or receive a call.

3. During the call, you'll see a "Record" button on the screen.

4. Tap the Record button to start recording the conversation. You can stop the recording at any time by tapping the same button again.

5. The recorded call is saved in your Voice Memos app, where you can access, listen to, or share it.

However, it’s important to note that some regions and carriers might restrict this feature due to privacy laws. Always check if recording calls is allowed in your area and inform the other party that you're recording.

Recording Phone Calls Before iOS 18

If you're still using a version of iOS before iOS 18, direct call recording is not supported. In this case, here are a few workarounds you can use:

1. Use a Second Device to Record

Before iOS 18, one of the simplest methods to record a call was to put your iPhone on speaker mode and use a second device, such as another phone or a dedicated voice recorder, to capture the conversation. While this method works, the quality of the recording might not be as clear, and you’ll need to manage the audio files manually.

2. Use Third-Party Conference Call Recording Apps

Some apps, like TapeACall or Rev Call Recorder, allow recording by creating a three-way conference call. Here’s how to do it:

• Install a call recording app and open it before making your call.

• The app will merge your call with its own service line, creating a three-way call.

• Start recording the conversation via the app interface. These recordings are usually saved within the app or in the cloud.

While useful, these apps often come with usage limits or subscription fees, and require a bit of setup before each call.

3. Google Voice for Incoming Calls

Google Voice is another option, but it only allows recording of incoming calls, not outgoing ones. You can use the following steps:

• Install Google Voice and sign up for a free Google number.

• In the settings, enable Call Recording for incoming calls.

• Press “4” during a call to start recording.

A Smart Solution: VOMO AI for Transcription and Analysis

Whether you're using iOS 18’s new call recording feature or an older version of iPhone, VOMO AI can take your recordings to the next level. While VOMO doesn't directly record calls, it’s an ideal solution for transcribing and analyzing any audio files you upload. This is especially useful for reviewing important conversations, taking notes, or extracting key information.

Here’s why VOMO AI is a game-changer:

1. Import Call Recordings Easily

With VOMO, you can import audio recordings from iOS 18's new native feature or from any third-party apps and voice recorders. If you've been using Google Voice or another method to capture calls, you can simply upload those files into VOMO for transcription.

2. High-Accuracy Transcription

VOMO delivers accurate speech-to-text transcription, handling different accents and identifying separate speakers. This is a perfect way to quickly turn your recorded calls into text without manually transcribing every word.

3. AI-Powered Summaries and Action Items

Once your call is transcribed, VOMO’s AI can summarize the conversation, extract key points, and even help you draft follow-up emails or documents. Whether it's a business meeting, an interview, or a personal call, VOMO’s AI analysis ensures you never miss important details.

4. Share and Collaborate

VOMO allows you to create shareable links for both the transcript and the original audio. This makes it easy to distribute notes or collaborate with team members, especially when working on projects, interviews, or legal matters.

5. Multilingual Support

VOMO supports transcription in over 50 languages, so no matter the language spoken during your call, VOMO can accurately convert it into text.

How to Use VOMO with Recorded Calls:

• Record the call using iOS 18 or an alternative method like a third-party app.

• Upload the recording into VOMO.

• Let VOMO transcribe and analyze the conversation, making it easy to search, summarize, and extract actionable insights.

Conclusion

Recording phone calls on iPhone is now finally possible with iOS 18, thanks to Apple’s long-awaited update. However, if you're using an older version or need more advanced features like transcription and analysis, VOMO AI is an excellent tool to complement your call recording needs. Whether you record directly in iOS 18 or use alternative methods, VOMO makes it easy to manage and get more value from your conversations.

Try out VOMO AI today and see how it can help you turn your call recordings into organized, actionable insights!