Apple AI Blunder: iPhone Voicemail Transcription Shocks Woman
A Scottish woman was left stunned after Apple’s AI voicemail system transcribed an offensive message. Experts blame background noise and AI errors.
image for illustrative purpose
A routine voicemail transcription on an iPhone took an unexpected turn for a 66-year-old woman when Apple’s AI system misinterpreted a message, producing offensive language instead of the intended text.
Louise Littlejohn received a transcribed voicemail from a Land Rover dealership, expecting a standard message about her vehicle. Instead, Apple’s AI-powered system distorted the content, referring to her in an offensive manner and making an inappropriate remark about her personal life, as reported by BBC.
Initially assuming the message was a scam, Littlejohn hesitated to engage with it. However, upon verifying the phone number, she confirmed that it was indeed from the dealership where she had purchased her car.
Experts suggest the transcription error likely resulted from a combination of background noise, the caller’s Scottish accent, and the structured nature of a scripted message. One possible explanation is that the AI misinterpreted the phrase “sixth of March,” generating an entirely unintended and inappropriate output.
Rather than expressing outrage, Littlejohn reacted with humor. “It was shocking at first, but then I found it hilarious,” she said, emphasizing that the dealership was not at fault for the AI’s misinterpretation.
Apple’s voice-to-text technology has faced scrutiny before. In a recent case, the system reportedly transcribed “racist” as “Trump,” drawing backlash from users.
The incident raises broader concerns about AI reliability in speech-to-text applications. While errors in casual settings may seem humorous, inaccuracies in more serious contexts could have significant consequences.
The takeaway? AI-generated transcriptions should always be reviewed before being acted upon.
