Aiko
What it is
Aiko converts speech from meetings, lectures and other audio into text on iOS and macOS. It runs OpenAI’s Whisper model directly on the device, and its privacy policy says the app collects no data or personal information. The macOS version uses Whisper large v2; on iOS, the model is medium or small depending on available memory. Aiko supports audio in 100 languages, though transcription quality varies by language. It accepts audio and video formats supported by iOS and macOS, including M4A, WAV, MP3, MP4 and MOV, but not OGG. Transcripts can be exported in formats including JSON, CSV and subtitles; subtitles can be saved as SRT. Apple Shortcuts support enables workflows such as batch transcription and recording followed by transcription. Aiko has no built-in batch transcription or live transcription, and it can translate speech only to English. The full app is available through a 14-day TestFlight trial with no limitations, auto-charges or commitment. There is no free plan.
For and against
For
- Transcribes on-device using Whisper
- Supports audio in 100 languages
- Exports JSON, CSV and subtitle formats
- Supports Apple Shortcuts
Against
- No built-in batch transcription
- Does not support live transcription
- Translation is limited to English
- Does not accept OGG files
The verdict
Aiko offers on-device transcription, broad language support and several export formats for Apple users. Its 14-day trial is available through TestFlight, but it lacks built-in live and batch transcription and translates only to English.
Who it suits
Aiko may suit people who want to transcribe recorded audio on an Apple device and prefer on-device processing. It fits workflows that can use imported recordings or Shortcuts rather than built-in live transcription or batch tools.
Plans and prices
Aiko
Universal Purchase for macOS, iOS, and visionOS
Read 9 Oct 2026 · sindresorhus.com
On the record
- Batch transcription limit
- Built-in batch transcription is not supported; the maker suggests using Shortcuts instead.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- JSON,CSV,SRT,subtitles,textsindresorhus.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Exports
- Aiko can export transcriptions in formats including JSON, CSV, and subtitles, and the FAQ explains how to save subtitles as SRT.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- File support
- Aiko accepts audio and video formats supported by macOS and iOS, including M4A, WAV, MP3, MP4, and MOV, but not OGG.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Languages supported
- 100sindresorhus.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Languages
- Aiko supports audio in 100 languages, though the page cautions that quality varies by language.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Live transcription limit
- Aiko does not yet support live transcription; the maker suggests recording a meeting and importing it afterward.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Aiko is presented on Sindre Sorhus’s site; his About page describes him as a full-time open-source developer focused in part on macOS app development.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Model by platform
- The app uses Whisper large v2 on macOS and the medium or small model on iOS depending on available memory.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Aiko transcribes audio directly on the device, and its privacy policy says the app collects no data or personal information.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Aiko converts speech to text from meetings, lectures, and other audio.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Shortcuts
- Aiko supports Apple Shortcuts, including workflows for batch transcription and recording and transcribing audio.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Speaker identification
- Nosindresorhus.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support
- Users can submit feedback or bug reports through the app or the maker’s feedback form; the form says to check spam if no reply arrives within two weeks.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Timestamp support
- Yessindresorhus.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Transcription model
- It uses OpenAI’s Whisper model running locally on the device.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Translation limit
- Aiko can translate speech to English, but the model does not support translating to other languages.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The full app is available free for 14 days through TestFlight, with no limitations, auto-charges, or commitment.sindresorhus.com · read 9 Oct 2026
