With the growing demand for high-quality text-to-speech (TTS) voices, many creators are exploring ways to generate natural-sounding audio for projects like YouTube videos and other commercial content. One popular tool for generating TTS audio on Apple devices is Speech Central, an app that allows users to export audio files in M4A or AIFF formats. However, before diving into commercial TTS usage on iPhone or Mac, it’s essential to understand Apple’s terms for using its system voices in content creation.
Understanding Apple’s TTS Software License Agreement
The voices available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs are proprietary software provided by Apple, with terms governed by the Apple Software License Agreement (SLA). Each version of iOS and macOS has its own SLA, and Apple’s guidelines are updated regularly to clarify voice usage rights for commercial and non-commercial purposes. For anyone considering using Apple’s TTS voices commercially, it’s essential to review the relevant SLA terms for the specific operating system version.
Below, we’ll outline key excerpts from Apple’s SLA for macOS Sequoia and iOS 18, the latest versions of Apple’s operating systems, and explain their implications for commercial use of system voices.
Commercial Use of TTS Voices on macOS Sequoia
Apple’s SLA for macOS Sequoia specifically restricts the commercial use of its system voices. According to Apple’s licensing terms:
“F. Voices; Live Captions. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, you may: (i) use the system voices included in the Apple Software (“System Voices”) (1) while running the Apple Software and (2) to create your own original content and projects for your personal, non-commercial use… No other creation or use of the System Voices, Live Captions or Personal Voice is permitted by this License, including but not limited to the use, reproduction, display, performance, recording, publishing or redistribution of any of the System Voices, Live Captions or Personal Voice in a profit, non-profit, public sharing or commercial context.”
This clearly indicates that Apple restricts using its TTS voices in macOS Sequoia for any commercial purposes. For creators considering commercial audio content on Mac, this clause means that Apple’s voices cannot legally be used in any monetized projects, including paid YouTube videos or other commercial ventures.
Commercial Use of TTS Voices on iOS 18
In contrast, the SLA for iOS 18 focuses primarily on limiting the use of the Personal Voice feature for commercial purposes. Apple’s specific wording in iOS 18 states:
“Subject to the terms and conditions of this License, you may… (iii) use the Personal Voice feature to create a voice on device that sounds like you (“Personal Voice”) using your own personal voice for your personal, non-commercial use. No other creation or use of the System Characters, Live Captions, or Personal Voice is permitted by this License, including but not limited to the use, reproduction, display, performance, recording, publishing or redistribution in a profit, non-profit, public sharing or commercial context.”
This clause explicitly prohibits commercial use of the Personal Voice feature on iOS but does not include a similar restriction for other system voices. As a result, the licensing language implies that users may be able to use non-Personal Voice TTS options commercially on iOS 18, although Apple does not provide explicit authorization. For complete clarity, users should still consult the latest SLA and consider seeking legal advice if planning significant commercial use.
Conclusion: Reviewing Your Commercial Use Options
For iPhone and Mac users looking to generate commercial TTS audio, Apple’s SLA terms for macOS and iOS vary slightly, with macOS explicitly restricting all commercial use of system voices. In contrast, iOS focuses restrictions on the Personal Voice feature, leaving a potential path for commercial use of other voices. Given these nuances, creators should carefully review the current SLA or consult Apple’s legal resources to ensure compliance.
Ready to create TTS audio with Apple’s voices? Try Speech Central to export high-quality audio files directly from your iOS or macOS device.