Official documentation

Siri, Dictation & Privacy

Apple, Apple, 2026

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Read on October 16, 2026

What it is: Apple's legal privacy notice for Siri and Dictation. It explains when speech is processed on the device or on Apple servers, what Apple stores by default, how request history is linked to a rotating random identifier, and how long data may be retained.
How much weight it carries: Primary policy document from Apple. It states Apple's own commitments; it is not an independent audit, and it describes defaults that can change with new software releases.

Facts taken from this source

Apple says your device shows in Keyboard settings whether dictated audio and transcripts are processed on the device or sent to Apple servers.
“When you use Dictation, your device will indicate in Keyboard Settings if your audio and transcripts are processed on your device and not sent to Apple servers.” (Siri and Dictation)
Apple says dictation sent to its servers is not stored unless you opt in to Improve Siri and Dictation.
“Otherwise, the things you dictate are sent to and processed on the server, but will not be stored unless you opt in to Improve Siri and Dictation.” (Siri and Dictation)
Apple links Siri and Dictation request history, including transcripts, to a random rotating identifier rather than your Apple Account, and may keep it for up to two years.
“Your request history, which includes transcripts and any related request data, is associated with a random, device-generated identifier that rotates multiple times per hour and is not tied to your Apple Account or email address. Apple may retain and use this data for up to two years” (Siri and Dictation)
Apple's Siri, Dictation and Privacy page says that by using Siri or Dictation you consent to Apple processing and storing the information with trusted third-party service providers.
“Apple may process and store this information with trusted third-party service providers.” (Closing paragraph, 'Siri, Dictation & Privacy' (page footer dated 2026-09-14))
Apple says Siri transcripts and related request data are not used to build a marketing profile, and are never sold to anyone.
“are not used to build a marketing profile, and are never sold to anyone” (Siri and Dictation section)
Apple says that if you allow apps to use Speech Recognition for transcription, the audio to be transcribed may be sent to Apple.
“if you choose to allow apps to use Speech Recognition for transcription, the audio data to be transcribed may be sent to Apple” (Section 'Third-Party Apps', Siri, Dictation & Privacy)
Apple says it may review a subset of the transcripts of Siri interactions, and that the small subset it has reviewed may be kept beyond two years.
“Apple may also review a subset of the transcripts of your interactions with Siri, and this small subset of interactions that has been reviewed may be kept beyond two years” (Siri and Dictation)

Siri, Dictation & Privacy

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Siri, Dictation & Privacy

Facts taken from this source

Pages that rest on this source