Apple has updated the Voice Memos app for the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max to include multi-channel recording. This will allow users to overdub a vocal track over an existing instrumental recording without the need for headphones.

Starting with the release of iOS 18.2, users of the latest iPhone models will be able to play their original instrumental ideas through the speaker while recording vocals.

With an A18 Pro chip, advanced processing, and machine learning to isolate voice recordings, Voice Memos creates two separate tracks so users can apply additional mixing and processing in professional applications like Logic Pro. Voice Memos on Mac also synchronizes multi-channel recordings between devices.

While this feature may not be essential for all users, Apple has enlisted three GRAMMY Award winners to demonstrate its capabilities for musicians. Multi-platinum recording artist Michael Bublé, country star Carly Pearce, and producer Greg Wells recorded the track Maybe This Christmas using only the iPhone 16 Pro.

“I don’t think people realize the critical role Voice Memos on iPhone plays in the creation process for musicians. And now with Layered Recordings, if an artist has a moment of inspiration, being unencumbered by the traditional studio experience becomes the advantage, not the limitation. It’s so typically Apple to build something we didn’t know we needed — and now won’t be able to live without,” Bublé said.