Does the iPhone record calls?

Yes. Since iOS 18.1 (late 2024), iPhones have a built-in call recorder in the Phone app. Turn it on in Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Recording, then tap the record button during a call — everyone on the line hears an announcement that recording has started, and the recording saves to the Notes app. It's limited to iPhones running iOS 18.1 or later, a handful of countries, and standard carrier or FaceTime audio calls. Wave works more broadly and adds speaker-labeled transcripts, AI summaries, and a searchable library across every call.

What's the difference between iPhone call recording in iOS 18 and Wave?

Apple's native recorder (iOS 18.1+) records the call and saves it to the Notes app, with an AI summary only on Apple Intelligence iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 and newer). Wave records from its own dialer on any iPhone — including older iOS and regions where Apple's feature isn't available — and every call gets a speaker-labeled transcript, an AI summary, ask-Wave chat, and a searchable library synced across your devices and Android.

Is it legal to record phone calls on iPhone?

Recording laws vary by location. In the US, many states allow one-party consent (you can record if you're on the call). Some states require all parties to consent. Check your local laws and inform the other party when required.

Does the other person see my real number?

Yes. Wave uses your verified phone number as the caller ID. The other party sees your real number, not a random or blocked number.

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?

No. Wave is a standard App Store app. It works through its own dialer — no jailbreak, no special permissions, no hacks.

Is phone call recording included in the free plan?

Phone call recording via Wave's dialer requires Wave Premium. The free plan covers recording with your phone's microphone for in-person conversations, meetings, and voice memos.

Can I also record calls on Android?

Yes. Wave's phone call recording works on both iPhone and Android with the same features — dialer, transcription, speaker labels, and AI summaries.

Record Phone Calls on iPhone — Here's How

iOS 18.1 added native call recording — but only on iPhones new enough to run it, in a handful of countries, and it drops each call into a single note. Wave records both sides from its own dialer using your real number, then delivers a speaker-labeled transcript, an AI summary, and a searchable library that works on any iPhone, older iOS, and Android.

The problems you know too well

Apple's Native Recorder Is New and Region-Locked

iPhone call recording only arrived with iOS 18.1 in late 2024, so it's missing on older iOS and older devices, and it's limited to a handful of countries. Wave records both sides from its own dialer on any iPhone — and on Android — regardless of your iOS version or where you are.

A Note Isn't a Searchable Record

iOS saves each recording into a single entry in the Notes app, and adds an AI summary only on Apple Intelligence iPhones (iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 and newer). There are no speaker labels across your calls, no library you can search by keyword, and no way to ask questions of a conversation. Wave gives every call a speaker-labeled transcript, an AI summary, ask-Wave chat, and one searchable library across all your recordings.

Built-In Recording Stops at Regular Phone Calls

Apple's recorder only covers standard carrier and FaceTime audio calls, and each recording stays on the single iPhone that made it. Wave keeps phone calls, meetings (desktop, Chrome, and bots), and in-person conversations in one place, synced to a library you can open on any device.

Features

Everything you need to capture every conversation

Built-In Dialer

Place calls directly from Wave. Enter a number or pick a contact — the other party sees your real caller ID, not an unknown number.

Record Both Sides

Wave captures audio from both sides of the call in high quality. No speakerphone required, no external recorder.

Instant Transcript

When the call ends, Wave delivers a transcript with speaker labels. Read what was said instead of replaying 45 minutes of audio.

AI Call Summary

Get the key points, commitments, and next steps extracted automatically — on any iPhone, not just Apple Intelligence models. Share the summary with anyone who needs to know.

Bridge Into Active Calls

Already on a call? Use Wave's bridge feature to merge a recording line into your active conversation. Requires carrier support for three-way calling.

Beyond Phone Calls

Wave also records meetings (desktop, Chrome, bots), in-person conversations (phone mic, Apple Watch), and imported audio files — all in one app.

Perfect for

Client and business callsPhone interviewsInsurance and contractor discussionsConference call dial-insPersonal reference callsLegal and contract discussions

FAQs

Common questions

All The Ways to Wave: Every Device, Every Scenario, One App

The complete guide to recording with Wave — iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS, Desktop, Chrome Extension, Meeting Bots, Phone Calls, Web App, and Import. Every way to capture, transcribe, and summarize your conversations.

Record Phone Calls on iPhone — Here's How

The problems you know too well

Apple's Native Recorder Is New and Region-Locked

A Note Isn't a Searchable Record

Built-In Recording Stops at Regular Phone Calls

Everything you need to capture every conversation

Built-In Dialer

Record Both Sides

Instant Transcript

AI Call Summary

Bridge Into Active Calls

Beyond Phone Calls

Perfect for

Common questions

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