SpeechBeeGuide
Siri and Dictation, explained
Apple groups Siri and Dictation together in its privacy settings, so people often think they're one feature. They're not. Here's what each does, where to turn each on, and what the shared 'Improve Siri & Dictation' setting means.
By the SpeechBee team, who make SpeechBee. Checked on 13 October 2026
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Dictation vs Siri
| Dictation | Siri | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Turns speech into text where your cursor is | Answers questions and carries out requests |
| Where to turn it on (Mac) | System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation | System Settings, Siri |
| How you start it | Microphone key or your dictation shortcut | "Siri" or its keyboard shortcut |
Where your dictation goes
Apple says you can check in System Settings, Keyboard, under Dictation, whether your general dictation, such as messages and notes, is processed on your Mac and not sent to Siri servers. Dictation in a search box may be handled differently. On iPhone and iPad, Apple says dictation is processed on device in many languages.
The "Improve Siri & Dictation" setting
When you turn on Dictation, your Mac may ask whether to share audio recordings. Choosing Share Audio Recordings lets Apple store audio of your Siri and Dictation interactions, and Apple may review a sample. You can change this any time in System Settings, Privacy & Security, Analytics & Improvements, Improve Siri & Dictation.
Dictation that never involves Apple's servers
If you want certainty that speech stays on your Mac whatever the language, use a dictation app that runs locally. SpeechBee, which we make, transcribes on your Mac, iPhone or iPad and never uploads audio. It isn't an assistant like Siri; it types what you say and reads text aloud.
Hi Maya, I'll send the revised proposal tomorrow morning.
Most people read faster than they speak. SpeechBee reads the sentence you selected out loud, while you keep working.
Dictation that stays on your device. Free for 7 days.
Voice to text and Read Aloud on your Mac, iPhone and iPad. After the week, $9 a month, $79 a year, or $99 once. Every plan has every feature.
Questions
Are Siri and Dictation the same thing?
No. Dictation turns speech into text. Siri is an assistant. They share a privacy setting for audio recordings.
Does Siri need to be on to use Dictation?
They're turned on in different places: Dictation in Keyboard settings, Siri in Siri settings.
How do I stop Apple storing my dictation audio?
Turn off Improve Siri & Dictation in System Settings, Privacy & Security, Analytics & Improvements.
Keep reading
Sources
Checked on 13 October 2026.
- Apple: Use Dictation on Mac
- Apple: Dictate text on iPhone
- SpeechBee facts from our homepage and privacy policy