Apple's 'Improve Siri & Dictation' setting stores voice audio, Engadget reports

The setting is presented when users set up an Apple device, and if they skip Siri during setup, they must decide the first time they use translation, dictation or Siri features, Engadget reported. On Apple Watch and HomePod, the setting mirrors the default on the user's iPhone or iPad. Apple TV works similarly when setup is completed through an iPhone or iPad, though manual opt-in is also an option.

When the toggle is enabled, Apple employees can review audio, transcripts and related request data. This auxiliary information includes when and where the request was made, device specifications, performance statistics and the category of the interaction. Apple may also review contextual information such as a contact list or downloaded apps, according to Engadget.

Apple's legal page for the setting says employees review transcripts to 'fine-tune Siri, Search, Voice Control, Translate, and automatic speech recognition models.' The manual reviews largely serve as quality-control tests, and only a select group of interactions is chosen for review. Depending on the device and how it is used, however, the information could be expansive, Engadget reported.

Engadget cited the latest Apple Watch models, which add an Apple Intelligence feature called Live Rewind that listens to conversations and generates transcripts. The feature is optional, but the report said it shows how expanding dictation functions can increase potential privacy exposure. The data also supports Apple's AI initiatives, which are more relevant with the new AI-powered Siri in iOS 27 and advanced dictation features, Engadget reported.

Apple typically retains voice data for up to two years, though the company admits some data may remain beyond that window, according to the report. That retention is separate from records kept on the physical device, where Siri and dictation interactions are kept to 'personalize your Siri experience.' Apple does not sell request history to marketers, Engadget reported.

Apple says Siri, Dictation and Translation request history is not tied directly to an Apple Account or email address. Instead, audio recordings are associated with a 'random, device-generated identifier that rotates multiple times per hour.' The company says the information is reviewed only by Apple employees 'subject to strict confidentiality obligations,' though the terms also mention that 'a subset may be reviewed by graders.' Apple also states it 'may process and store this information with trusted third-party service providers.'

To disable the setting on an iPhone or iPad, users can open Settings, enter Privacy & Security, tap Analytics & Improvements and turn off Improve Siri & Dictation. They can delete local voice data by going to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > Siri & Dictation History > Delete Siri & Dictation history. On a Mac, users can click the Apple menu, choose System Settings, select Privacy & Security in the sidebar, then Analytics & Improvements to disable the toggle. For Apple Watch, Engadget says to open the Settings app and visit General.