Overview
IraVoice is a macOS-only dictation application designed for Apple-silicon Macs running macOS 26 or later. It distinguishes itself by performing all speech recognition and text formatting on-device, using Core ML models and Apple Intelligence, ensuring voice data never leaves the machine. The app targets professionals and developers who need to dictate text or create structured specifications without sacrificing privacy. A 3-day free trial is available, and after that a one-time $50 purchase provides permanent access.
Key Features
- On-Device Speech Recognition: Uses local Core ML speech models for transcription. No audio or text is sent to external servers. Models are downloaded once on first use, then everything runs locally.
- Two Dictation Modes: "Dictate" (hold Right Option) inserts polished, filler-cleaned text at the cursor in any focused editable field. "Voice-to-Spec" (hold Globe) converts spoken requirements into structured Markdown suitable for developers or AI agent handoffs.
- Apple Intelligence Formatting: The polished text output relies on Apple's on-device formatting model, which is part of macOS's built-in intelligence features. Basic transcription remains available as fallback if the formatter is unavailable.
- Direct Agent Handoff (Optional): The Voice-to-Spec mode can explicitly submit the finished Markdown to Codex or Claude Code via a visible terminal session. This is opt-in, and only the finalized text leaves the Mac; microphone audio is never involved.
- Minimal Privacy Footprint: No account system, no telemetry, no cloud transcript history. License state is stored in the Mac Keychain. The only external connections are: downloading speech models on first use, verifying the license key via Gumroad, and optional agent handoffs initiated by the user.
- Homebrew Installation: Users can install via
brew install --cask mvplab-ai/tap/iravoice, which uses the same notarized DMG without custom scripts. - Published Benchmark Data: The site provides a WER benchmark comparing Apple SpeechAnalyzer (1.98%) and whisper.cpp small.en (4.28%) on a disclosed Mac setup, with reproducible results and a public verifier. A privacy matrix covering 18 Mac dictation products and 33 sources is also published.
Use Cases
- Professionals writing emails, reports, or notes: Dictate into any text field with Right Option. The on-device processing ensures speed and privacy, ideal for handling sensitive content.
- Developers creating technical specifications: Use Voice-to-Spec (Globe) to convert verbal technical requirements into structured Markdown. Review, edit, and optionally hand off to Codex or Claude Code for further action.
- Security-conscious users: Anyone who cannot allow speech or transcript data to leave their device benefits from IraVoice's completely local pipeline, from mic to text insertion.
