Best text to speech for iPhone

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Tyler Weitzman
By Tyler Weitzman MS in Computer Science, Stanford University in Productivity on June 27, 2022
If you own an iPhone and are looking for only the best Text-to-Speech apps, we've curated the best that apps that are available for iPhone. See the list.

    In today’s tech-driven world, smartphones are our constant companions, and for iPhone users, Apple offers an array of innovative features that promote accessibility and usability. One such feature is the powerful text-to-speech capability, integrated seamlessly across iOS devices. With a myriad of applications and potential uses, this tool empowers users to transform written content into spoken words, catering to various needs and preferences. In this article, we’ll delve into the best text to speech for iPhones, exploring how it works, its benefits, and how you can make the most of it across different scenarios.

    Understanding Text-to-Speech on iOS

    Apple’s commitment to accessibility shines through its robust text-to-speech capabilities. This feature, available across iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices, allows your device to “speak” selected text out loud. It’s a game-changer for individuals with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or anyone seeking a hands-free way to consume content.

    Enabling Text-to-Speech

    To utilize this feature, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content. Here, you’ll find options like Speak Selection and Speak Screen. Speak Selection enables you to highlight text in various apps and tap “Speak” from the pop-up menu to have it read aloud. You can adjust the Speaking Rate to find a pace that suits you best.

    Speak Screen, on the other hand, takes text-to-speech a step further. Upon activation, a two-finger swipe down from the top of the screen initiates playback of the entire onscreen content. This is particularly handy for long articles, web pages, or eBooks.

    Taking Advantage of Different Voices and Pronunciations

    Apple devices offer a variety of high-quality voices, each available in different accents and languages. To explore and select different voices, head to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Voices. This allows you to customize your text-to-speech experience, making it not only functional but also engaging and personalized.

    For those seeking absolute accuracy, you can even fine-tune pronunciations. Under Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Pronunciations, you can add phonetic spellings to ensure the text is spoken correctly.

    Integrating Text-to-Speech Across Apps

    The text-to-speech feature isn’t limited to Apple’s native apps. It extends its functionality to third-party apps, including Safari, iMessage, and even podcast apps. While reading articles in Safari, simply highlight the desired text and tap the Speak button from the pop-up menu. This is a game-changer for multitasking, as you can listen to content while navigating other apps or performing tasks.

    Unlocking Multilingual Abilities and Accessibility Features

    Apple’s text-to-speech isn’t restricted to English. It boasts an impressive range of supported languages, making it an invaluable tool for users around the world. Additionally, the feature extends its capabilities to other accessibility features like VoiceOver, which provides audio descriptions of onscreen elements, enhancing the overall user experience.

    The Future of Text-to-Speech

    With each iOS update, Apple continues to refine and enhance its text-to-speech functionality. iOS 16, for example, might bring new shortcuts and integration possibilities, opening up even more doors for users to leverage this feature in creative ways.

    Exploring Text-to-Speech Apps

    While Apple’s built-in text-to-speech is robust, some users might require more advanced features. The App Store offers a variety of third-party text-to-speech apps, some of which specialize in specific scenarios. From reading PDF files aloud to highlighting content in Chrome, these apps cater to a diverse range of needs.

    Apple’s commitment to accessibility through text-to-speech on its iOS devices is undeniably transformative. By empowering users to consume content audibly, regardless of disabilities or preferences, it’s a prime example of technology’s potential to bridge gaps and enrich lives. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite blogs, listening to educational podcasts, or getting through a lengthy PDF, text-to-speech on your iPhone opens up a world of possibilities that truly redefine how we interact with information.

    Use Speechify Text to Speech to integrate seamlessly

    Speechify stands out as the ultimate text-to-speech solution for iPhone users, offering unparalleled convenience and versatility. What sets Speechify apart is its seamless integration across various platforms, including Android, Mac, and even Siri. With its intuitive interface, Speechify lets you access its functionality right from your home screen. The compatibility with MacOS, Windows, and Apple Watch ensures that you can engage with your content effortlessly, no matter the device. From audiobooks to highlighting content, Speechify excels in providing a comprehensive experience. The synchronization with iCloud and iPadOS guarantees that your preferences and progress seamlessly transfer between devices. The feature-rich nature of Speechify extends to phone calls and text messages, with its speech controller enabling hands-free interaction. Typing feedback and the ability to “speak on touch” make it a standout among the best text-to-speech apps available. For those seeking the finest in text-to-speech technology, Speechify is the answer, offering a harmonious blend of convenience, functionality, and user-centric design.

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    Tyler Weitzman

    Tyler Weitzman

    Tyler Weitzman is the Co-Founder, Head of Artificial Intelligence & President at Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews. Weitzman is a graduate of Stanford University, where he received a BS in mathematics and a MS in Computer Science in the Artificial Intelligence track. He has been selected by Inc. Magazine as a Top 50 Entrepreneur, and he has been featured in Business Insider, TechCrunch, LifeHacker, CBS, among other publications. Weitzman’s Masters degree research focused on artificial intelligence and text-to-speech, where his final paper was titled: “CloneBot: Personalized Dialogue-Response Predictions.”

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