Apple launches AI narrator for audiobooks

In a discrete move, Apple has launched a catalog of audiobooks narrated by artificial intelligence. On its website, Apple described it as the new digital narration feature, adding that it will make the creation of audiobooks accessible to all by reducing cost and complexity. So far, these audiobooks were narrated by human narrators. The process of recording human narrations typically takes weeks and may cost thousands of dollars.

As per Apple’s website, the ‘digital voices’ are currently created and optimised for specific genres, starting with fiction and romance novels. Going forth, digital narrations will be available for non-fiction and self-development books too. To start with, Apple has rolled out four voices — two each for male and female. The publishers and authors will retain audiobook rights; they can add other versions of the audiobook if they choose, Apple’s website said. 

“Apple has long been on the forefront of innovative speech technology, and has now adapted it for long-form reading, working alongside publishers, authors, and narrators,” the website read, further calling digitally narrated titles “a valuable complement to professionally narrated audiobooks.”  As per The Guardian report, the AI narrator was slated to be introduced in November 2022.  

Notably, Google Play Books also allow publishers in specific regions like the US, Canada, and Spain, among others to sell auto-narrated audiobooks on its platforms.