Fact · Dictation on Mac
Apple says that when the cursor is highlighted and pulsing, or you hear a tone, your Mac is ready for dictation, and you can speak your text.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“When the cursor is highlighted and pulsing, or you hear the tone that signals your Mac is ready for dictation”
Dictate messages and documents on Mac (Apple Mac Help, Dictation), Apple Inc., Apple Support, Mac User Guide, n.d., Section 'Dictate text'.
Open the original- What it measures
- This is the signal after you press the Microphone key or the Dictation shortcut and before you speak. It applies to the Dictation help for current macOS, with no separate note for each keyboard.
- What it does not show
- Apple does not say how long the signal takes to appear. If the cursor does not pulse, check the shortcut and the microphone before you speak.