
When it comes to text-to-speech (TTS) technology, Apple made its last major leap with iOS 16. Since then, while there have been minor refinements, the core technology remains largely unchanged. Although many users find Apple’s voices “good enough,” they pale in comparison to modern AI voices such as those powered by platforms like Microsoft Azure or OpenAI. So, what’s holding Apple back?
Why Apple Voices Lag Behind AI Voices
One popular misconception is that Apple’s perceived lag in TTS advancements stems from incompetence. In reality, the gap between Apple voices and state-of-the-art AI voices is rooted in hardware constraints.
Most modern AI voices operate on high-powered servers custom-designed for their workloads. These servers are significantly more powerful than the hardware found in even the latest iPhone, like the iPhone 16 Pro. Moreover, server-side AI voices benefit from hardware dedicated entirely to their tasks, unlike iPhones, which must handle a myriad of other processes simultaneously.
Additionally, Apple’s current TTS voices are optimized to run on a wide range of devices, from the iPhone 8 to the latest models. This compatibility means the voices are limited by the lowest common denominator, such as the iPhone 8’s limited memory and processing power, far from sufficient for modern AI text-to-speech workloads.
The Path Forward: iPhone Hardware Evolution
Despite current limitations, there’s significant room for improvement in Apple’s TTS voices in the near future. Apple’s latest iPhone models, starting from the iPhone 15 Pro, come equipped with advanced AI capabilities far surpassing those of older devices. If Apple tailors its TTS technology to leverage these newer capabilities, users could see a dramatic leap in voice quality. All Apple Intelligence tools run only on this hardware, but Apple Intelligence voices are yet to come.
Looking further ahead, annual improvements in iPhone hardware may eventually enable the device to run AI models required for highly realistic voices. However, achieving this milestone may take until 2030, and even then, battery life could remain a critical trade-off. On the other hand, Apple’s Mac lineup might achieve this capability earlier due to less stringent battery life requirements, although Mac-specific TTS improvements are likely to follow the iPhone cycle.
Why Apple’s TTS Voices Still Matter
Despite the advantages of AI-powered cloud voices, Apple’s voices remain a strong contender for several reasons. They are entirely free and have no usage limits, a stark contrast to cloud-based services that come with paywalls or quotas. For many users, this trade-off—free, accessible voices versus the realism of cloud AI voices—is more than acceptable.
Furthermore, as Apple continues to refine its TTS voices and hardware capabilities, the gap between Apple and AI voices will likely narrow. Over time, what is “good enough” today may become “excellent” for a vast majority of users.
Experience the Best of Both Worlds with Speech Central
Whether you prefer Apple’s voices or cutting-edge AI options, Speech Central offers the flexibility to maximize your TTS experience. Its custom engine ensures that you get the best performance out of the technology you choose.
Ready to try it out? Download Speech Central today: