Imessage: Apple may roll out this new iMessage-related feature – Times of India

Apple already allows iPhone users to access Siri to read an incoming text or iMessage with the help of related commands. Siri also lets users dictate a reply for the received message. This feature helps users to read or reply to a text while driving or in other situations where they can’t use their hands, like cooking or travelling in a crowded public transport. The Cupertino-based tech giant has recently got a new patent application approved that claims to transform an iMessage into a voice note. However, in this case, the recipient can choose to have their message read to them in their voice and not in Siri’s voice. To listen to messages in their voice, users need to share a voice file containing the data. iPhones will need this data to mimic the user’s voice while reading the message out loud.
New iMessage feature: How will it work
As per the patent spotted by Patently Apple, this feature will offer users an option to attach a voice file while sending an iMessage. This file will be created and stored directly on their iPhones, based on their Siri usage.
If users enable this option, iMessage will ask the recipient whether they want to receive the voice file as well as the message. If the receiver selects this option, then iMessage will read both that message and the following messages in a simulation of the sender’s voice.

The patent claims that these voice files can also be sent separately. This option will keep the reading message in the sender’s voice feature ready to be used with selected contacts ahead of its time. This reduces the chances of any delays in downloading the files whenever a message arrives. However, users need to keep in mind that all Apple patents turn into a live feature.