Aiko

Aiko is a native transcription application for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. It converts recorded speech and supported audio or video files into text using OpenAI’s Whisper model locally on the device.

The local processing design keeps recordings and transcripts on the user’s Apple device during transcription. Aiko supports meetings, lectures, interviews, voice memos, and subtitle workflows without requiring a cloud transcription account.

The application favors transcription accuracy over speed. Processing time depends on the device’s processor, available memory, recording length, and selected model.

Aiko supports audio in 100 languages and can automatically detect the spoken language in supported workflows. It can transcribe recordings, imported media files, and audio shared from other Apple applications.

• Local transcription powered by OpenAI Whisper
• Support for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS
• Audio and video file transcription
• Built-in audio recording
• Timestamp generation
• Translation to English
• Word replacement for recurring transcription errors
• Exports to text, JSON, CSV, and subtitle formats such as SRT
• Apple Shortcuts integration
• Finder Quick Actions and share-sheet workflows
• Optional automatic deletion of recordings older than seven days

Aiko uses a one-time purchase model rather than a recurring subscription. The United States App Store listing shows a $24 purchase price, with access provided across supported Apple platforms through Universal Purchase.

The developer offers a full-featured 14-day TestFlight trial. The trial has no automatic charge or continuing commitment, but users must purchase the App Store version after the trial to continue using the product.

Pros

• Transcribes audio locally rather than sending recordings to a cloud service.
• Supports 100 languages and multiple export formats.
• Uses a one-time purchase instead of a recurring subscription.
• Works with Shortcuts, Finder, Files, and Apple sharing workflows.
• Offers a full 14-day trial through TestFlight.

Cons

• Available only on Apple platforms.
• Does not provide built-in transcript editing.
• Does not currently offer live transcription during recording.
• Does not currently provide speaker identification.
• Large Whisper models can require substantial storage, memory, and processing time.
• Some Whisper outputs may contain missing punctuation, repetitions, or occasional hallucinated text.

MacWhisper is a comparable Apple-focused transcription application with a broader editing-oriented workflow. Otter is a cloud service focused on meetings, collaboration, and searchable conversation records. Descript combines transcription with audio and video editing. Notta provides cloud transcription, meeting notes, and cross-platform workflows.

Aiko is most suitable when local processing, Apple integration, and one-time pricing matter more than collaboration, real-time meeting capture, or browser access.

Does Aiko have an API?

No public developer API is documented on the official Aiko page. The supported automation route is Apple Shortcuts.

Does Aiko offer a free trial?

Yes. The developer provides a full 14-day TestFlight trial without automatic charges.

Does Aiko work on Windows or Android?

No Windows or Android version is listed by the developer. Aiko is distributed for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS.

Can Aiko transcribe Zoom meetings live?

No. Users must record the meeting first, then import the recording into Aiko for transcription.

Can users edit transcripts inside Aiko?

No. The developer recommends exporting the transcript and editing it in a separate text editor.

Can Aiko create subtitles?

Yes. Aiko can export timestamped transcriptions as subtitle files, including SRT.

Does Aiko support speaker identification?

No. The developer states that speaker diarization is not currently supported.