If you’re a musician with an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max running iOS 18.2, you’ll be pleased to discover that your device has become even more powerful, particularly when it comes to using the Voice Memos app. This exciting feature, initially previewed during the iPhone 16 launch event in September, is now fully available with the latest software update.
So, what are Layered Recordings? This new functionality allows you to effortlessly lay down a vocal track over any existing instrumental recording, all without needing headphones. With iOS 18.2, you can play your original instrumental ideas out loud through the built-in speakers while recording vocals using the high-quality microphone on your iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max.
How does it work? Thanks to the powerful A18 Pro chip and advanced processing capabilities, the iPhone 16 Pro models can manage two individual tracks for recording. This allows for enhanced mixing and production in software like Logic Pro. Additionally, since Voice Memos is available on the Mac, you can synchronize Layered Recordings across devices and easily transfer them into a Logic Pro session.
This feature particularly caters to musicians, allowing them to mix multiple background instruments, such as acoustic guitar or piano, as a foundational layer for their recording. With Logic Pro, you can compress that instrumental mix into an audio file and send it back to Voice Memos seamlessly.
Apple highlighted this feature by showcasing a collaboration among Michael Bublé, Carly Pearce, and Greg Wells, who created a new track titled Maybe This Christmas entirely using Voice Memos on the iPhone 16 Pro. You can experience this track in Apple Music, complete with Spatial Audio.
It’s important to note that Layered Recordings is exclusively available in the Voice Memos app for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max users with iOS 18.2.
