Where audio is processed
Supported languages on Apple Silicon Macs process on-device, while Intel Macs and unsupported languages send dictated utterances to Apple.
Sourced review · Verified September 1, 2026
Apple Dictation review
Apple Dictation review
built-in privacy
Apple Dictation is a useful free starting point for dictation across Apple devices. On Apple Silicon Macs, supported languages work on-device after speech models download, but processing location depends on hardware and language.
WhisperJot is our product. Facts about Apple Dictation come from Apple's public pages and were last verified on the date shown.
This is a review of published product information, not a hands-on test or an independent security audit.
Best for: Everyday dictation on Apple devices
Strengths
What it does well
Dictation is included with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS at no extra cost, with no separate paid plan to evaluate or maintain.
Supported languages on Apple Silicon Macs can work offline after speech models download, and Keyboard settings show which processing path applies.
A customizable trigger shortcut, dictation anywhere you can type, and auto-punctuation in supported languages cover common text-entry needs on Apple devices.
Limitations
Where it falls short
On Intel Macs or for languages without on-device support, dictation sends utterances to Apple and requires an internet connection.
The checked documentation does not describe custom vocabulary, dictation history, per-app tone, or hold-to-talk versus toggle modes; that is a documentation gap.
There is no Windows or Linux version, and keyboard dictation cannot run while Voice Control is on, limiting some combined workflows.
Data handling
Privacy check
Retention choice
Apple's privacy guidance describes server processing without storage unless Improve Siri and Dictation is enabled, retaining opt-in data for up to two years.
Search fields
Search-box dictation may be sent to the search provider, so on-device language support does not cover every destination.
Fit
Who should pick it
Choose Apple Dictation if your text entry stays on Apple devices and its built-in tools meet your needs. Check Keyboard settings for your language's processing path before relying on offline Mac dictation.
Our product
How WhisperJot compares
WhisperJot is private by default, with Jot Local and Jot Local Pro processing speech on-device. Local engines work fully offline after the first model download. WhisperJot Local ($5/month) and WhisperJot Pro ($99/year) both include unlimited local dictation, custom vocabulary, voice commands, and local history on stable Mac and Windows apps plus a Linux beta. Jot Cloud is our optional cloud engine on WhisperJot Pro: it is opt-in, runs only while selected, and audio is never stored on our servers. WhisperJot has no free tier; the browser demo offers a short dictation before purchase.
Questions
Apple Dictation FAQ
Is Apple Dictation private?
Apple Dictation processes supported languages on Apple Silicon Macs locally; Intel Macs and unsupported languages send utterances to Apple. Privacy guidance describes server processing without storage unless Improve Siri and Dictation is enabled, with opt-in data retained up to two years. Search fields may send dictation to the search provider; consult Apple's dictation privacy guidance and your Keyboard settings.
Does Apple Dictation work offline?
Yes, for supported languages on a Mac with Apple silicon after the speech models are downloaded. On Intel Macs, or in languages without on-device support, dictated utterances are sent to Apple and need internet. WhisperJot's Jot Local and Jot Local Pro engines work fully offline on its supported Mac, Windows, and Linux builds after a one-time model download (about 500 MB on Mac, around 600 MB on Windows and Linux).
Does Apple Dictation have custom vocabulary?
Apple's Dictation documentation does not describe a custom vocabulary feature, so this comparison does not claim Apple Dictation has none. It also does not document hold-to-talk versus toggle modes, dictation history, or per-app tone. WhisperJot includes custom vocabulary, both hotkey modes, per-app tone, and local SQLite history on WhisperJot Local ($5/month) and WhisperJot Pro ($99/year).
References
Sources
Product facts last verified September 1, 2026. Sources include the vendor pages and any supporting references listed below.
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